Free condoms for athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy have reportedly become scarce just three days into the Games, following the initial distribution at the Olympic Village.

According to an athlete who spoke to the media anonymously, the shortage resulted from organisers providing a limited supply.

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“The supplies ran out in just three days. They promised us more would arrive, but who knows when. They weren’t particularly generous with the numbers,” the athlete said.

A report indicated that previous Olympic Games in Paris, France, provided athletes with 300,000 condoms, while this year’s supply was significantly lower.

“In Paris, athletes received 300,000 condoms, about two per day each, but the numbers for these Winter Games were far lower, not even 10,000,” La Stampa reported.

Meanwhile, the governor of the Lombardy region, Attilio Fontana, insisted the issue should not be a source of embarrassment and that the focus should remain on the Games.

“Yes, we provide free condoms to athletes in the Olympic Village. If this seems strange to some, they are unaware of the established Olympic practice. It began in Seoul 1988 to raise awareness among athletes and young people about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, a topic that should not cause embarrassment,” he posted on social media.

SB/MA

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