Winter Olympics: Condoms restocked after 2,800 athletes use up 10,000 in just three days during Valentine’s week

The organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have restocked condoms across Olympic villages after athletes used up an initial stock of 10,000 in just three days during Valentine’s week. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed fresh supplies were delivered early this week to ensure continued availability for athletes through the end of the Games.

Supplies run out, organisers step in

The shortage was first reported by Italian outlet La Stampa, less than a week after the Winter Games began. The IOC later confirmed that the supply had been exhausted “due to higher-than-anticipated demand” and said it would be “continuously replenished until the end of the Games.”

Valentine’s week sparks surge in demand

Last weekm IOC spokesperson Mark Adams linked the surge in usage to Valentine’s week inside the Olympic villages.


“Shows that Valentine’s Day is in full swing in the village, and I don't think I can add very much more to that,” Adams said on Saturday, Feb. 14.

He added, “I think 10,000 [condoms] have been used. So 2,800 athletes, you can go figure, as they say.”

Long-standing Olympic practice

Distributing free condoms in the Olympic village has been a regular practice since the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, aimed at promoting safe sex and athlete welfare.

The 10,000 initially provided for Milano Cortina is far lower than the 300,000 distributed at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where the athlete count was significantly higher.

Athletes say it’s nothing new

Madagascar alpine skier Mialitiana Clerc said she was not surprised by the demand and has seen similar trends at previous Games.

“I know that at the Winter Olympics a lot of people use condoms,” Clerc said.

She added, “I saw it in (2022 Winter Olympics) Beijing as well. There were some boxes at the entrance of every building where we were staying, and everything was gone from them. I already know a lot of people are using some condoms, or maybe taking them to give to their friends outside the Olympics. Maybe they are using them as gifts, just for fans.”

Games to end on February 22

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 22, with the closing ceremony scheduled for the same day. Officials said condom supplies will continue to be replenished throughout the Games to ensure access for all athletes.