Reports have emerged that the village housing Winter Olympics athletes in Milan has completely run out of condoms, following a drastic reduction in supply from the traditional 300,000 to a mere 10,000. This shortage has sparked immediate controversy and left competitors without access to free contraceptives, a long-standing tradition at the Games aimed at promoting safe sexual health.
Tradition of Free Contraceptives at Olympic Villages
Providing complimentary condoms in Olympic villages has been a customary practice for decades, with organisers emphasising the importance of prevention and responsible behaviour among athletes. In Milan, the initiative was launched under the slogan 'Health first: prevention and common sense', with Attilio Fontana, the governor of Lombardy, adding a regional symbol to the condom packets to highlight local support.
Supply Issues and Athlete Reactions
Despite endorsing the safe sex campaign, Cortina organisers distributed only 10,000 condoms for the entire Winter Games, leading to supplies being depleted within days. An anonymous athlete informed Italian newspaper La Stampa on Thursday that the condoms sold out in just three days, with promises of more deliveries remaining uncertain. This stands in stark contrast to the Paris Olympics in 2024, where athletes received 300,000 condoms, equating to two per athlete per day.
Village Details and Accommodation Challenges
The village, named Cortina d'Ampezzo, is a temporary residential complex in Milan designed to host athletes from around the globe. With a capacity of 1,400 beds, it features modular residential units connected by pathways to communal areas. However, finding private time has proven difficult for residents, though a relaxation room—dimly lit and playing soothing music for meditation—has gained popularity. Notably, Team Canada has reportedly opted to leave the village in favour of a five-star hotel, adding to the ongoing discussions about athlete comfort and resources during the Games.
