The Olympic Games are renowned for athletic achievement, but a quieter, increasingly popular competition unfolds alongside the sporting events: pin trading. What began as simple identification tokens in the late 19th century has evolved into a vibrant subculture, a social ritual and for some, a serious collecting pursuit. At the Milano Cortina Games, this tradition appears to be reaching new heights, fueled by social media and a growing sense of community.
Olympic pin trading involves athletes, staff, and fans exchanging collectible pins as a way to connect and commemorate the Games. The practice dates back to the first modern Olympics in in Athens, Greece, where cardboard badges were used to identify participants. By the London Olympics, country-specific pins emerged, and by , in Paris, the exchange of pins as a gesture of friendship became established.
The scale of pin trading at the current Games is evident in online communities. TikTok videos showcase “elite hauls,” while Reddit users strategize to acquire rare designs and offer guidance to newcomers. Even before the Games were well underway, reports indicated that pin supplies at the international broadcast center in Milan were already dwindling, demonstrating the intense demand.
“Pin trading should be its own Olympic sport,” joked Jordan C., an American volunteer, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the activity. “But it’s already one of the most fun parts of the volunteer experience and an incredible way to meet other volunteers and spectators from around the world.” This sentiment underscores the social aspect of pin trading, fostering connections between people from diverse backgrounds.
For athletes, pin trading offers a unique opportunity to share their stories and break down communication barriers. Team USA figure skater Isabeau Levito, , described the experience as “just straight dopamine,” emphasizing the joy derived from seeing and exchanging the diverse range of pins.
The Hunt for City Official Pins
This year’s Games feature a unique element: the “City Official Pins” of Milan. These , pins are tied to a city-wide “adventure,” encouraging fans to explore different neighborhoods. You’ll see 12 designs inspired by Milan’s distinct areas, including Brera, Navigli, Sarpi-Chinatown, NoLo, Porta Romana, Porta Venezia, and Isola. Five additional pins represent iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, San Siro stadium, Castello Sforzesco, Torre Velasca, and the elusive Panettone pin. The pins are distributed daily at various locations revealed via the YesMilano Instagram account.
Navigating the Pin Trading Landscape
The pursuit of authentic pins requires caution. To avoid counterfeit pins – dubbed “scampins” – collectors are advised to source their pins from licensed vendors. The official Pin Trading Center (PTC), located at Via Carlo de Cristoforis, 1 in Milan, near the Garibaldi FS metro station, serves as a central hub for collectors. Registration through the AICO (International Association of Olympic Collectors) is required for those seeking dedicated table space.
Beyond the official channels, the pin trading scene thrives on spontaneous interactions. Collectors often approach each other when they spot interesting pins on lanyards or jackets. Brand activations and gift shops at the Games also distribute pins, providing newcomers with a starting point for their collections.
Technology Enters the Game
The Games have also integrated technology into the pin trading experience. Alibaba has introduced an AI-powered pin-trading robot within the Olympic Village. Athletes can use voice commands or hand gestures to interact with the robot, selecting a mystery pin from within the machine and exchanging it for one of their own. Samsung has also preloaded its smartphones provided to athletes with a pin-trading game.
Etiquette and the Spirit of Exchange
Pin trading, while seemingly informal, has a set of unspoken rules. The Olympin Collectors Club, formed in , provides guidance on etiquette, emphasizing the importance of displaying pins neatly, being polite and friendly, and avoiding the display of pins not intended for trade. Other guidelines include avoiding overly enthusiastic displays of interest in a particular pin and respecting ongoing trades.
The core of pin trading lies in connection. For athletes like American luger Sophia Kirkby, who creates handmade pins celebrating female athletes, it’s about sharing a piece of herself and fostering a sense of community. “I love getting to meet people for a quick moment—athletes, volunteers, everyone—and giving them something I made with my own hands,” Kirkby explained. “It’s such a cool feeling to create something and watch it bring people joy.”
Pin trading transcends the competitive spirit of the Olympics, offering a low-pressure environment for interaction, and friendship. As Levito noted, it can even serve as an icebreaker, and some have joked it can even lead to romance. A chance encounter and a shared interest in pins can spark a conversation, bridging cultural and linguistic divides, as demonstrated by a trade between a Brazilian content creator and a spectator on the Milan metro.
