Milan Olympics: A Condom Shortage Reveals More Than Medals

During the Winter Games, athletes treated Valentine’s week like a sprint, racing through free condom supplies and emptying dispensers before the competition began. Organisers had handed out about 10,000 condoms across city and mountain venues to encourage safe habits among the mostly young, healthy competitors who live in close quarters. By Saturday, the stock had vanished, leaving only a week of events and adding Milan to a growing list of Games where demand outpaces supply—a familiar Olympic subplot.

The International Olympic Committee’s spokesman noted the situation with a mix of humor and concern. He said that 10,000 condoms had been used by around 2,800 athletes and hinted at the unexpected rush. He also referenced Olympic rule 62, joking that “Faster, higher, stronger, together” should apply to condom distribution as well.

Organisers later admitted that the demand was higher than expected but assured that new supplies would arrive. They promised continuous restocking between today and Monday, with the goal of keeping dispensers full until the Games end. This approach shows that even as medals are chased, the social aspects of the Olympics—like ensuring participants’ safety—are taken seriously.

Athletes themselves were surprised by how quickly the condoms disappeared. A Mexican figure skater expressed shock at seeing the empty dispensers, while an alpine skier from Madagascar reported that boxes in her accommodation were emptied each day. She suggested that some athletes might have given condoms to friends outside the Games as a gift, further increasing demand.

The empty dispensers serve as a quiet reminder that beyond competition, the Olympics foster community and responsibility. They highlight how organizers must balance athlete well‑being with logistical challenges, especially when unexpected events—such as a sudden surge in condom usage—arise.