It turns out that athletes could be an unexpectedly randy demographic, with those taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics reportedly running out of condoms in just three days. That could be something to do with an unexpected resale market, with people apparently putting them online for a ridiculous sum. While we know there's a market for official Winter Olympics merch, resold condoms are one we weren't expecting.
With people often referring to the Winter Olympics as the 'messy' younger sibling to the main event, this year's festivities in Italy certainly lived up to that reputation. As well as Sturla Holm Lægreid being exposed for having an affair, we've had wild claims that skiers are injecting acid into their penises, a Finnish ski jump coach was sent home for alcohol use, and there was a major scandal involving Marc Kennedy telling a rival to "f**k off" amid cheating allegations.
As the Winter Olympics continue to grab headlines for bizarre reasons other than who's actually going home with a medal, the condom situation could be its wildest yet.
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According to The Sun, condoms ran out in just three days for the Milano-Cortina Games, that's despite some 10,000 being made available for the sex-crazed sport stars. In the aftermath, a listing for a Winter Olympics condom appeared on Vinted, selling for €105 ($125).
Dishing out prophylactics at the Olympics is nothing new, and at 2024's summer Olympics in Paris, some 300,000 condoms were supposedly given out. This worked out at two per athlete, per day. Officials claim 9,700 male and female condoms were available in Italy, but they're soon whipped through the stock. However, this is said to be nowhere near enough.
Messages on this year's condoms include, “On the field of love, play fair. Ask for consent," and, "Don’t share more than victory, protect yourself against STDs."
Due to the unprecedented demand, officials promised more would be released, with one explaining: "In line with tradition during the Olympic Games, free access to condoms has historically been guaranteed to athletes in the Olympic villages as part of preventive measures.
“To date, more than 9,700 male and female condoms have been made available in various territories."
"Additional supplies will be provided if necessary throughout the duration of the Olympic Games.”
Speaking to Italian outlet La Stampa, one athlete said: "The supplies sold out in just three days.
"They promised us more will arrive but who knows when."
Still, even getting some alone time is proving difficult. Visiting the accommodations of athletes from rival countries is prohibited, meaning the 'relaxation room' has become especially popular.
One athlete said: "You have to use your imagination."
Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana told athletes, "Health first: prevention and common sense," although that's a little difficult when you're caught short, and someone is making a fortune reselling condoms on Vinted.