The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games have generated headlines on and off the slopes, as in the first week of competition, the 10,000 condoms distributed free of charge in the Olympic villages sold out in just 72 hours, according to the organization.
The supply was intended for about 3,000 athletes competing in northern Italy. However, demand exceeded initial forecasts, forcing the Organizing Committee and regional authorities to arrange a new shipment to avoid shortages at the venues.
Why did they sell out so quickly?
According to official spokespersons, several factors played a role in the end of condoms at the Winter Olympics:
1. The social atmosphere in the Olympic Village, marked by unusually mild temperatures that exceeded 10 °C in some mountain areas.
2. The end of the strict sanitary restrictions present in previous editions such as Beijing 2022.
3. The value of the condoms as a collector’s item, since they bear the official logo of Milano-Cortina 2026.
Some units even appeared on internet resale platforms, reaching high prices.
The International Olympic Committee(IOC) confirmed that part of the supply was taken as a souvenir, a practice that historically occurs at the Games.
An Olympic tradition since 1988
The free distribution of condoms at the Olympic Games, both Winter and Summer, is a practice implemented since Seoul 1988.
The main objective is to promote the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among athletes and accredited personnel.
In recent editions, the amount distributed has been considerably larger due to the size of the delegation.
For example, in Paris 2024, hundreds of thousands of units were distributed for a larger Olympic population.
In the case of Milano-Cortina 2026, the regional authorities of Lombardy supported the urgent dispatch of new units under the motto of prevention and public health.
Beyond sports
Demand exceeded initial projections
QuéOnnda.com
For the Latino community in the United States, the 2026 Winter Olympics is not only a sporting event, but also a cultural and social phenomenon.
The conversation about responsible sexual health is relevant in any international context.
In addition, this type of news shows how the Games go beyond the sporting competition, including logistical, health and social aspects.
In the United States, official coverage of the Games is provided by NBC and Peacock, with broadcasts on multiple digital platforms.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
