While the Olympics is arguably the most competitive stage for sport, it appears that the elite athletes are still showing each other love behind the scenes. This year, athletes from all over the world have been sharing on social media the sweetest Olympics tradition among competitors: trading pins.
For the Swifties out there, it's similar to the friendship bracelet swaps [1] that have been taking over the Eras Tour. Olympians are gifting their fellow competitors, and even some attendees, special pins representing their country or sport. Some pins have been deemed more covetable than others, like Simone Biles's custom pin, which showcases her signature inside a gold heart. New Zealand rugby sevens player Tysha Ikenasi, who has quite the impressive pin collection, posted a video describing her successful acquisition of the Biles pin on TikTok. "Basically, I had to walk up and beg that she took on of our New Zealand pins and then she said that she'd give me a personal pin," Ikenasi said. "So I feel like I clocked pin game. I got it."
Even celebrities, including rapper and Olympics commentator Snoop Dogg, have joined in on the fun exchange. Snoop came prepared with his own personal pin to trade, which he's been very selective about gifting. The accessory features a pin-sized Dogg blowing Olympics-style smoke rings into the air. Honestly, it's iconic and we're incredibly jealous of tennis sensation Coco Gauff [2], who Dogg personally selected to gift his pin to.
What's even cooler about this practice, is that's it's actually a centuries-old tradition. It can be traced back to the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens when Greek athletes were presented with cloth pins featuring the country's national anthem, per WCNC [3], an NBC affiliate. Want to feel included? Check out this roundup of the top Olympic pins and pin hauls we've come across this year.
The Snoop Dogg Pin
Snoop Dogg has one of the hardest pins to collect, but the rapper went out of his way to give one to tennis GOAT Coco Gauff [5] — no trade required. "Hey Coco, it's big Snoop Dogg. Got something for you, beautiful," he said in a video shared to social media, unveiling his custom pin while wearing a t-shirt featuring Gauff. "This is for you. Great game today. Go USA."
The Simone Biles Pin
Simone Biles [6] is the most decorated US gymnast in history and the definition of a GOAT. Who wouldn't want her pin? The gold heart is especially fitting given both Biles kind nature and unrelenting perseverance to win gold and be the best.
The Ilona Maher Pin
Ilona Maher has become an Olympic favorite this year, not just because of her strength and power on the rugby field, but her humor and messages of body positivity on TikTok [7]. She definitely deserves her own pin and one I'm sure will be a hot commodity as the games continue.
The Refugee Team Pin
This is probably one of the most meaningful pins at the Olympics. It's the first-ever design for the Refugee Olympic Team, which first debuted at the Rio 2016 Olympics. "The emblem features arrow way marker, signifying the shared experience of their journeys, and a heart – originating from the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF [8]) logo, to represent the hope, belonging and perseverance that the team seek to inspire and that people have found through sport," per the IOC [9].
The Kenya, St. Kitts, Grenada, and Rwanda Pins
Bermudian triple jumper, Jah-Nhai Perinchief, managed to snag some of the coolest African and Caribbean pins at the Games, including Kenya, St. Kitts, Grenada, and Rwanda. Apparently, this is only part of of his collection. "I got another couple bricks in my bag," he tells Gabby Scott, who's taking the video. "I'll bring that tomorrow!"
The Dutch Pin
The Dutch really nailed it with their creativity this year. Maher posted a video of herself acquiring the team's pin, featuring tiny clogs, a staple in the Netherlands. I've never wanted to own something miniature so badly before.
The Saudi Arabia Pin
New Zealand swimmer Hazel Ouwehand proudly shows off the Saudi Arabia pin in this TikTok, calling it her favorite so far. The presentation alone is a 10/10 as Ouwehand opens the tiny green box featuring the pin which mimics the country's national emblem with the Olympics rings stacked at the bottom. Pure perfection.
All the USA Pins
Sports commentator Ari Chambers [10] is the queen of Team USA pins. A few of our favorites from her haul: Team USA pin with the red beret, Team USA basketball, Team USA 3x3, and the Team USA goat pin!
The South Africa Pin
Great Britain rower, Imogen Grant, gives a pin tour of a super unique pin from South Africa in this TikTok. The pin was given to her by a sculler on the South African team and not only resembles hand beading, but is hanging by an actual safety pin, which gives it a more personal and delicate touch.
This Massive Pin Haul
Tysha Ikenasio is taking the pinquest to the next level. The New Zealand Rugby player has actually managed to collect a pin for every letter of the alphabet. A few of our favorites shown here: Benin, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Panama. See if you can spot them!
The Ireland, Paris Pigeon, and Skateboarding Pins
Blogger and influencer Amanda Rollins (@americalfille) showed off her pin collection on TikTok, which included a few unique pins worth mentioning. For starters, the Team Ireland pin is a simple green and gold with clovers, but it looks pretty regal, so I had to call it out. Meanwhile, the Paris pigeon and skateboarding pins are both the perfect combination of playful and chic. And yes, pigeons can be chic — just ask Carrie Bradshaw [11].
These China Pins
Puerto Rico's track and field star Gabby Scott is absolutely giddy over these two pins from China — and we get it. One fan-shaped pin features a panda hanging onto the Eiffel Tower and the other a dragon, fireworks, and the Olympics mascot.
This Impressive Collection
Olympic skater from Spain Daniela Terol has a pretty impressive collection, having collected pins from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria, Argentina, Paraguay, Angola, Colombia, Iran, Serbia, Fiji, Netherlands, South Africa, USA, Canada, India, and China. Whew!
Alexis Jones [12] is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her passions and areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.
