The Resurgence of Pin Trading at the Paris Olympics

The Pin Trading Phenomenon at the Paris Olympics

As the Paris Olympics commenced, a delightful trend emerged among athletes: the trading of tiny orange Dutch clogs, which have become the unofficial pin of the Netherlands team. These miniature treasures, measuring nearly an inch in length and attached to a butterfly clutch, have transformed into a highly sought-after item among competitors. One notable exchange involved Yara ten Holte, a Dutch handball player, and Ilona Maher, a star player for the U.S. women’s rugby team. Maher joyfully showcased her new prize in a TikTok video, capturing the excitement of pin trading.

“One thing about the Olympic Village is that trading pins is serious business,” Ms. Maher stated in her post, which garnered more than 2.7 million views. “We don’t mess around when it comes to trading pins, OK?”

Pin trading—those charming, shiny emblems created by sports delegations, federations, countries, and even the media covering the events—has a rich history at the Olympics. However, this tradition experienced a lull during the pandemic. The restrictions imposed during the Tokyo Summer Games and the Beijing Winter Games limited the opportunities for athletes, fans, and pin collectors to interact and trade.

In contrast, the Paris Olympics has ignited a resurgence of pin trading, fueled by a blend of celebrity influence and athletes sharing their cherished finds on social media. With over 14,000 athletes from around the globe gathered in the Olympic Village just outside Paris, pin swapping has transformed into the Games’ most exhilarating unofficial sport.

• One athlete, Gaila González from the Dominican Republic volleyball team, proudly displayed a sash adorned with pins she has collected throughout her Olympic journey.
• Carolina Marín, a badminton player representing Spain, has also become a notable figure in the pin trading community.

Even tennis legend Serena Williams got in on the action, declaring herself a seasoned pin collector in a video featured on the Paris Olympics Instagram account. Williams shared her fondness for pins, highlighting her most treasured possession: a rare item from the North Korean sports delegation, which she acquired during the 2016 Rio Games. “I would never, ever trade that,” she emphasized, showcasing the emotional value these pins hold for their collectors.