The Winter Olympics village at Milano Cortina reportedly faced a shortage of condoms despite distributing 10,000 free ones to athletes. Known for its lively atmosphere, the accommodation has been linked to numerous stories of amorous encounters over the years.
To address potential issues, organizers provided free contraceptives, but the distribution of only 10,000 condoms in Milano Cortina pales in comparison to the 200,000 distributed at the Paris Summer Games in 2024. The discrepancy is notable considering the smaller number of athletes present in northern Italy compared to Paris.
An anonymous athlete revealed to La Stampa that the condom supplies quickly ran out within three days, with uncertain plans for restocking. In a bid to deter off-camera activities, organizers introduced so-called ‘anti-sex’ beds, featuring a minimalist cardboard design, which seems to have had little effect.
This isn’t the first instance of condom shortages at the Olympics. During the Sydney 2000 Games, an additional 20,000 condoms had to be ordered after the initial allocation of 70,000 was depleted.
The importance of maintaining health and preventing any potential STI outbreaks was emphasized to athletes upon their arrival in Milan. The village atmosphere has been described as vibrant and uninhibited, with one former Olympic gold medallist shedding light on the open nature of relationships within the community.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games unfold from February 6-22, viewers can catch over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. The £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription will grant access to TNT Sports 2, offering continuous Olympic coverage.