Beyond Medals: The Olympic Pin Trading Frenzy

The Milan Cortina Olympic Games are not just about athletic prowess; they also host a bustling Olympic pin trading center. This official hub in central Milan sees over 2,000 visitors daily, eager to explore a vast collection of pins representing past, present, and future Games. The center, sponsored by Warner Bros., features colorful decor and interactive elements, making it a popular destination.

Collectors, often called 'pinheads,' travel internationally with extensive collections, setting up at circular stations to trade. These enthusiasts, like Nicholas Wolaver from Atlanta, bring thousands of pins, specializing in national Olympic committee or media pins. The tradition of Olympic pin trading originated in 1896 Athens as official accreditation, evolving into a widespread practice by the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Notable collectors, such as Greg Denardo, whose grandfather competed in the 1912 Stockholm Games, bring immense collections, some nearing 15,000 pins. Sought-after pins include those from smaller countries, media outlets, and even custom designs by athletes like Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam. This enthusiastic trading highlights the unifying spirit of the Olympics, with expectations for even larger operations at future Games like Los Angeles 2028.