During the early days of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, a surprising incident occurred as the supply of free condoms available in the athletes' village quickly depleted. The organizing committee had provided approximately 10,000 condom packs, but this stock ran out much faster than anticipated due to the high demand from athletes. The athletes' village, located in Cortina d'Ampezzo, hosts athletes from various countries, facilitating closer contact in modular and shared areas, thereby making the promotion of safe sexual relations essential.

In light of the shortage, the organizing committee acknowledged the need for additional supplies and is in the process of arranging more condoms to ensure that this service continues throughout the Olympic event. This situation has sparked considerable discussion, especially as compared to previous Olympic Games, such as the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 where 200,000 male and 20,000 female condoms were made available. In some earlier Olympic events, this number even reached up to 300,000, reflecting a growing awareness and focus on athletes' health and well-being.

The discussion surrounding this shortage not only highlights the demand for safe sexual practices among athletes but also points to the evolving culture within the Olympic community regarding sexual health. With athletes spending extended periods in close quarters, ensuring access to condoms is part of promoting a responsible environment that recognizes both athletes' rights and responsibilities. The response from the organizing committee suggests that they are committed to addressing this issue proactively during the ongoing games.