The Winter Olympics village at Milano Cortina reportedly faced a shortage of condoms despite distributing 10,000 complimentary ones to athletes. Known for its lively atmosphere, the village has seen numerous stories of amorous encounters over the years.
In an effort to address potential issues, organizers provided free contraceptives. However, while 200,000 condoms were given out at the Paris Summer Games in 2024, only 10,000 were available at Milano Cortina. With significantly fewer athletes in Italy compared to Paris, the allocation proved inadequate.
An anonymous athlete revealed to Italian newspaper La Stampa that the supplies ran out within three days, leaving uncertainty about when more would be restocked. Additionally, so-called ‘anti-sex’ beds were introduced to discourage off-camera activities, but the cardboard design has not been effective.
This isn’t the first time condoms have run out at the Olympics. At Sydney 2000, organizers had to order an additional 20,000 after exhausting their initial 70,000 supply. With the risk of an STI outbreak, athletes were reminded upon arrival in Milan to prioritize health and exercise caution.
A former Olympic gold medallist highlighted the village’s reputation for adult activities in a 2012 interview, emphasizing that such encounters were widely acknowledged among athletes, officials, and the media. Condom distribution and discreet signals on room doors were common practices, reflecting the youthful and single nature of many participants.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, taking place from February 6-22, offer over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. Fans can access comprehensive coverage through a £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription, including TNT Sports 2 for continuous Olympic updates.