Winter Olympics Condom Supply Replenished After Athletes Snap Up 10,000 Rubbers in First Three Days

Milan-Cortina, Italy – Organisers of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have been forced to restock the Athlete Villages with condoms after the initial supply of 10,000 was exhausted within 72 hours of the Games’ opening, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The unprecedented demand – roughly 3½ condoms per competitor across the 2,800-athlete field – left village shops empty ahead of Valentine’s Day, prompting a rush for additional contraceptives.

La Stampa quoted an unnamed competitor: “The supplies sold out in just three days. They promised us more will arrive, but who knows when.”

International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams attributed the shortfall to “higher-than-anticipated demand,” noting that Valentine’s Day fell on the first Saturday of competition. “It shows that Valentine’s Day is in full swing in the village,” Adams said. “Ten thousand have been used – 2,800 athletes, you can go figure.”

USA Today reported that fresh stocks were delivered at the start of this week, though organisers declined to specify quantities. In a brief statement, the IOC said it would “continuously replenish” contraceptives until the closing ceremony on 22 February, adding that sexual-health services are “an integral part of the support offered to athletes”.

The rapid depletion is consistent with Olympic history: athletes routinely describe the village as a high-pressure environment where relationships offer a release from competition stress. Organisers now hope the reinforced supply will prevent further shortages as medals are decided in the final week of the 25th Winter Games.