Paris, France – Olympic pins are taking center stage at the 2024 Summer Olympics, with fans and volunteers alike showcasing their collections and engaging in the age-old tradition of trading pins with others. Vivianne Robinson, a superfan who has attended seven Games over 40 years, allowed a passerby to select a pin from her collection dating back to the 1984 USA Olympics.
Neighborhood resident Lahlouh Wahab has also amassed an impressive collection by interacting with athletes and staff outside the Olympic Village. Dominican Republic’s Cristian Pinales and collector Thurston Bilal from Los Angeles were spotted wearing an array of pins on their lanyards, engaging in pin trading with fellow enthusiasts and athletes.
Bilal, who has attended six Olympics, emphasized the cultural significance of pin trading, stating that it allows people to break down communication barriers and appreciate pins as pieces of art. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach even joined in, distributing pins to members of the Turkey men’s artistic gymnastics team.
Volunteers like Claude Blanchard and Valerie Heinzle have been spotted wearing Paris Olympic pins on their accreditation straps as they assist spectators during the tennis competition at the Roland Garros stadium. With the Games in full swing, the tradition of Olympic pin trading continues to bring people from all over the world together in celebration of the Olympic spirit.
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