Former World's Most Beautiful Athlete Addresses Condom Shortage at Winter Olympics
Condoms typically flow freely at the Olympic Games, but the 2026 Winter Olympics faced an unusual dilemma: a significant shortage of these contraceptives.
As athletes competed fiercely on the ice and snow, the Olympic Village buzzed with activity, leading to a rapid depletion of the initial supply of 10,000 condoms within just three days. Susen Tiedtke, a former German long jumper and once hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful athletes, offered her insights into this phenomenon.
Milano Cortina 2026 was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Italy celebrated a remarkable haul of 30 medals, while Brazil achieved a historic first with Lucas Pinheiro Braathen winning gold in men’s giant slalom.
Meanwhile, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn’s much-anticipated return ended in injury, contrasting with the success of figure skater Alysa Liu and the gold medals claimed by both U.S. ice hockey teams.
Yet, amid these athletic feats, the condom situation became a talking point. Speculation about the rapid consumption ranged from athletes pocketing them as souvenirs to a simple lack of supply. For context, the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics is set to distribute around 200,000 condoms.
Tiedtke, now 57 and reflecting on her Olympic experiences, stated, “Imagine being on edge for four years preparing for those two weeks at the Olympic Games. It’s normal that after the performance, whatever it may be, you feel enormous relief and the desire to share that feeling with someone.”
She elaborated on the atmosphere in the Olympic Village: “The athletes are at their physical peak at the Olympics. After the competition, they want to release their energy. You always heard the ‘party’ of others; sometimes you could hardly sleep.”
The excitement and camaraderie often lead to intimate encounters, especially in an environment filled with attractive young competitors. Tiedtke noted that parties and alcohol contribute to this dynamic, creating an environment ripe for romance.
The condom shortage garnered attention even from local officials. Attilio Fontana, President of Lombardy, addressed the issue on social media, affirming, “Yes, we provide free condoms to athletes in the Olympic Village. If this seems strange to some, then they are not familiar with established Olympic practice.”
He further explained that this initiative began in Seoul in 1988 to promote awareness about sexually transmitted diseases among athletes and young people—a topic that should not be stigmatized.
