Free condoms distributed to competitors at the Winter Olympics reportedly ran out within just three days, according to sources cited in Italian media.
An anonymous athlete claimed supplies were exhausted far sooner than expected.
“The supplies ran out in just three days,” the athlete said. “They promised us more will arrive, but who knows when.”
Fewer Supplies Compared to Paris Olympics
Italian newspaper La Stampa reported that the number of condoms made available to athletes at the Winter Games was significantly lower than at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to the publication, athletes in Paris received approximately 300,000 condoms — averaging about two per day per competitor. In contrast, fewer than 10,000 were reportedly supplied for the Winter Olympics.
The Winter Games feature just under 3,000 athletes, compared to about 10,500 who competed in Paris two years ago.
Lombardy Governor Addresses the Issue
Amid the discussion, Lombardy regional governor Attilio Fontana defended the practice of providing condoms in the Olympic Village.
“Yes, we provide free condoms to athletes in the Olympic village,” Fontana said in a social media post last week, adding that the topic should not be treated as a source of embarrassment.
Longstanding Olympic Tradition
Providing free condoms to athletes has been a longstanding tradition at Olympic Games, aimed at promoting safe sex and public health awareness among participants.
Organisers have not yet publicly confirmed when additional supplies will be restocked, but reports suggest more shipments are expected.
