Olympic condoms sold online – for 1200 kroner each
Olympic condoms that were distributed in Milan have quickly sold out and are now appearing for resale online at high prices.
In the Olympic village in Milan, condoms were depleted within a few days of being distributed to athletes. Reports indicate that some of these condoms have found their way onto the resale marketplace Vinted, listed for significant prices, at approximately 105.70 euros each, which translates to around 1190 kroner based on current exchange rates. This unexpected resale has drawn attention to the phenomenon of athletes taking these items as souvenirs or attempting to profit from them.
The distribution of condoms to Olympic athletes is a longstanding tradition initiated during the Summer Olympics in Seoul in 1988, aimed at promoting awareness about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The number of condoms provided in this iteration of the Olympics was notable; after an initial distribution of 10,000 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, reports from the Milan Olympic village show that they were similarly snapped up, indicating a high demand among athletes. Following the depletion of the first batch, organizers have already placed an order for an additional 5,000 condoms to ensure that athletes have access to them.
As this trend of selling condoms online continues, it raises questions about the cultural implications and the attitudes of Olympic athletes towards sexual health and souvenirs. The phenomenon reflects the athletes' willingness to engage in practices that were perhaps perceived as taboo, illustrating a shift in how these items are viewed in the context of personal health and sports culture. The widespread interest in these condoms, both for their intended purpose and as collectible items, highlights the unique intersections of sport, health, and societal norms.