CarnalNation

Not only is there a shortage of snow, red mittens and Olympic cauldron photo opportunities at the Vancouver games, but NowPublic reports that condoms are also running low. The 100,000 condoms supplied to the Olympic village at the start of the games were not enough and the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) is stepping in to meet demands. They are rushing an emergency shipment of 8,500 condoms to the village to supplement the original supply.

"When we heard about the condom shortage in Vancouver, we felt it important to respond immediately," explains CANFAR’s Kerry Whiteside. "Safer sex is key to preventing the spread of the HIV virus."

It is unclear whether or not the condoms are being used for safer sex or stocked away as souvenirs. Canadian Olympic team mentor Marnie McBean suggests that athletes are collecting them. "It's kind of like a joke thing. People just take handfuls of them. They're out there everywhere. They're just out and people grab them."

For those who are not using the prophylactics to celebrate their victories, they may be stocking them away for future value. One collector auctioned off a batch of 5,000 leftover condoms from the Beijing games, but with the strong demand in Vancouver it seems unlikely there will be any left behind.

Canadian skier Emily Brydon believes the condoms are being used for safer sex. "What happens at Olympic Village stays at Olympic village,” she says. “There's a lot of stress pent up over the week, so it's safe to say that some good times happen."

Snowboarder Crispin Liscomb agrees. "Everyone focuses so much on their event for their days, that in afternoon it's on. After four years, and really months and months for some of the sports with nothing but water and granola, these guys are ready to part and enjoy and vent."

Congratulations to the athletes who come out faster, higher and stronger both on and off the podium.