Athletes React as Winter Olympics Runs Out of Condoms in 3 Days
In a surprising turn of events, the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo faced a condom shortage just days into the games. Italian news outlet La Stampa reported that the complimentary condoms available in the Olympic Village ran out in only three days.
Supply Shortage Sparks Reactions
An anonymous athlete expressed frustration, stating, “The supplies ran out in just three days. They promised us more will arrive, but who knows when.” The anticipation surrounding further distribution is palpable among competitors eager for access to this resource.
Comparison to Summer Olympics
The disparity in condom distribution between the Winter and upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris is stark. In Paris, organizers plan to provide approximately 300,000 condoms for over 10,500 athletes. This figure was confirmed by Laurent Michaud, director of the athletes’ village.
- Winter Olympics in Cortina: Fewer than 10,000 condoms.
- Number of athletes in Cortina: 2,871.
- Summer Olympics in Paris: 10,500 athletes.
Cultural Insights and Historical Context
Governor Attilio Fontana of Lombardy addressed this issue, emphasizing the tradition of providing free condoms at the Olympics. “This practice began in Seoul 1988 to raise awareness about sexually transmitted disease prevention,” he stated in a Facebook post. This year, however, the dialogue focuses not on availability but on the lack thereof.
Adding to the conversation, Spanish figure skater Olivia Smart shared a viral Instagram clip, illustrating the region’s logos on the condom packages. She humorously stated, “I found them. They have everything you need.”
Life Inside the Olympic Village
The Olympic Village, located in Fiames, accommodates athletes in a modular housing setup. Designed to house up to 1,400 residents, the venue features shared community spaces that promote interaction.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium | Nearby competition venue for curling events. |
| Cortina Sliding Centre | Home to sliding sports competitions. |
| Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre | Venue for alpine skiing events. |
| Cortina Para Snowboard Park | Dedicated site for para-snowboarding. |
Despite tight living arrangements, the athletes have adapted. Privacy is limited, necessitating creativity in finding relaxation. Many athletes prefer the popular relaxation room, which offers a calm atmosphere with low lighting and soft music.
“You have to use your imagination,” shared an anonymous athlete, noting that downtime often includes playing video games, all while they await the promised replenishment of supplies.
