The start of the 2026 Winter Olympics didn't just raise the temperature on the slopes. Behind the scenes at the Olympic Village, a different kind of record was broken: the 10,000 condoms made available to athletes were used up in just 72 hours.

An unprecedented surge in popularity

With approximately 2,900 athletes competing, the organizers thought they had planned for a comfortable margin. However, the reality on the ground quickly exceeded expectations:

1. Speed of disappearance: Stock completely sold out in 3 days.
2. Theoretical average: Approximately 3 units per athlete in just 72 hours.
3. Sites concerned: All distribution points, from Milan to Cortina.

Between prevention and collectibles

While the tradition of distributing sanitary products dates back to the 1988 Seoul Olympics to combat STIs, athletes' use of them is sometimes surprising. Beyond their primary function, these items often become collector's souvenirs or original gifts to bring back to friends and family, which partly explains this sudden surge in demand.

The organization's response

Caught off guard by this logistical "performance", the organizing committee had to react urgently:

1. Immediate restocking of vending machines throughout the village.
2. Reminder of health guidelines to maintain a safe and responsible environment.
3. Commitment maintained to ensure that protection remains freely accessible until the end of the competition.

"The objective remains to ensure that every athlete has access to protective equipment throughout the Games, regardless of how it is used." — Note from the organizing committee.

This anecdote, which blends humor and public health, underlines once again that the excitement of the Olympic Games is not limited to sporting achievements, but permeates every aspect of the athletes' daily lives.