Feb 21 • 07:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Curitiban maintains rare collection of over two thousand Olympic pins: 'Passion of my life'

Psychologist Luiz Toni from Curitiba, Brazil, has a passion for the Olympics reflected in his collection of over two thousand Olympic pins, which he has been collecting since 2008.

Luiz Fernando Tonidandel, popularly known as Luiz Toni, is a psychologist from Curitiba, Brazil, whose deep love for the Olympic Games is beautifully showcased in his vast collection of over two thousand Olympic pins. He has participated in numerous editions of the Olympic Games, expressing his passion through trading and collecting these unique items during his attendance at the events. This year, Tonidandel attended the Winter Olympics in Italy, which concluded on the 22nd, further adding to his prized collection.

The tradition of Olympic pins is rooted in history, dating back to the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. However, it was not until the 1924 Paris Games that the practice of pin trading gained significant popularity among attendees. For Luiz, his hobby began in 2008 when he watched the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, where he received his first pins from a Brazilian coach. This initial encounter ignited a passion that has grown over the years, leading to the impressive collection he maintains today.

Toni's story goes beyond mere collection; it encapsulates the spirit of the Olympics, where memories, friendships, and stories intertwine through these small tokens of sportsmanship. Each pin represents more than just an event; it signifies moments of connection and shared experiences with other fans and athletes, making his collection a treasure trove of personal history and a testament to his enduring love for the Olympic Movement.

📡 Similar Coverage