The Thrill of Pin Trading at the Olympics; At the end of the Olympic Games, athletes often leave with medals, but many also cherish the opportunity to trade and collect Olympic pins. This tradition is a significant part of the Games and has seen increased enthusiasm from athletes, as highlighted by women’s volleyball star Chiaka Ogbogu at Ralph Lauren’s Olympics welcome party in Paris on July 27.
The History of Olympic Pin Trading
Pin trading has been a part of the Olympics since the first modern Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Initially, cardboard badges denoted judges and officials, while Greek athletes who won first place received cloth pins with the national emblem. Over time, pin production evolved into a fundraising tool for Olympic delegations.
The Role of Pin Collectors and Olympin Club
The practice of pin trading has expanded to include athletes, fans, and staff. The Olympin club, a nonprofit organization formed after the 1982 Lake Placid Winter Games, now boasts around 500 members in over 30 countries. This club and other pin enthusiasts contribute to the vibrant pin trading culture.

Official and Unique Pins from Paris 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics has seen a range of official pins, including those shaped like pigeons, hamburgers, and featuring the mascot Phryges. Olympic skateboarder Jagger Eaton highlights unique pins like those shaped as skateboards, adding to the excitement of pin trading.
The Social Aspect of Pin Trading
Pin trading allows athletes to connect with fellow Olympians and interact with their teammates from different sports. Chiaka Ogbogu shares her experience of exploring the Olympic Village and trading pins with other athletes, including a notable exchange with Team USA flagbearer Coco Gauff.
Pin Trading Etiquette
For those interested in Olympic pin trading, the International Association of Olympic Collectors (AICO) emphasizes that the key to a successful trade is mutual satisfaction. This principle ensures that both parties involved in the trade are pleased with the outcome.
Stay Updated on the Olympics
For ongoing coverage of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls and to stay informed about the Games, visit people.com and sign up for the “Going for Gold” newsletter. The Paris Olympics and Paralympics began on July 26 and are available to watch on NBC and Peacock.