CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are experiencing an unexpected logistical challenge just days into competition: a shortage of condoms. Organizers confirmed Saturday that supplies in the Olympic Villages were “temporarily depleted due to higher-than-anticipated demand,” according to a statement provided to The Athletic.
The initial supply of approximately 10,000 condoms, distributed in the Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Village, vanished within three days of the Games’ opening, as first reported by Italian newspaper La Stampa. This rapid depletion has sparked discussion online and raised questions about planning for the needs of the 2,871 athletes participating in the Games. Athletes staying in Milan, four hours away from Cortina, and those in Bormio and Livigno are also affected.
“The supplies ran out in just three days,” an anonymous athlete told La Stampa. “They promised us more will arrive, but who knows when.”
The distribution of condoms at the Olympics is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 1988 Seoul Games. The practice is rooted in public health initiatives aimed at promoting safe sex and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Beyond the health aspect, organizers view the distribution as a symbolic health-awareness effort, acknowledging the social environment within the Olympic Villages, where thousands of young, elite athletes live in close proximity for several weeks.
The scale of the shortage in Italy stands in stark contrast to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where approximately 300,000 condoms were made available for the roughly 10,500 athletes competing. Laurent Michaud, director of the athletes’ village during the Summer Games, confirmed this figure to Sky News.
The situation has drawn attention from regional officials as well. Attilio Fontana, governor of Italy’s Lombardy region, publicly addressed the topic, defending the program as a continuation of a public health tradition. The response suggests an awareness of the potential for increased social interaction and the importance of providing resources for responsible behavior.
While the current shortage is being addressed with the delivery of additional supplies expected between Saturday and Monday, the incident highlights the complexities of managing the logistical needs of a large-scale international event like the Olympics. Organizers have pledged to continuously replenish the supply throughout the remainder of the Games to ensure continued availability.
The unexpected demand for condoms at the Milan-Cortina Games has quickly become a talking point, prompting comparisons to previous Olympics and fueling speculation about life inside the athletes’ villages. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously planned events can encounter unforeseen challenges, and that addressing the needs of the athletes extends beyond athletic performance to encompass their overall well-being.
The tradition of providing condoms at the Olympics, which began in 1988, has evolved from a discreet health measure to a widely recognized aspect of the Games. It reflects a growing awareness of athlete health and safety, and a commitment to promoting responsible behavior within the unique social environment of the Olympic Village. The current shortage, while temporary, underscores the importance of anticipating and meeting the diverse needs of the athletes who represent their nations on the world stage.
The quick depletion of the initial 10,000 condoms also sparked online debate, with some observers noting the significant difference in supply compared to the Paris Games. The incident has renewed fascination with the social dynamics within the Olympic Village, where thousands of competitors from around the globe come together in a concentrated environment. The Games are not solely about athletic competition; they are also a cultural exchange and a period of intense social interaction.
As organizers work to restock the supplies, the focus remains on ensuring that athletes have access to the resources they need to prioritize their health and safety. The incident serves as a valuable lesson in logistical planning for future Olympic Games, emphasizing the importance of accurately assessing demand and proactively addressing the needs of the athletes.
