Winter Olympic Mascot Frenzy Leaves Milan and Cortina Shelves Empty
Fans of the Milan Cortina Olympic mascots, the stoat siblings Milo and Tina, are encountering significant challenges in acquiring plush toys across the host cities. Official Olympic stores in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, including the largest outlet at Duomo Cathedral, have completely sold out of the popular merchandise. The plush toys, which are priced between 18 and 58 euros, also appear to be unavailable through online channels, leading to a wave of humorous desperation among enthusiastic visitors and collectors.
Unexpected Popularity Sparks Shortages
The mascots have become an unexpected trend, dominating the cultural landscape of the Winter Games. Tina, who represents the Olympic Winter Games, and her younger brother Milo, the face of the Paralympic Winter Games, are celebrated figures, with Milo particularly noted for symbolising the overcoming of disabilities. This surge in popularity has resulted in widespread shortages, leaving many fans empty-handed as they seek to commemorate their Olympic experience.
Limited Availability and Medal-Winning Access
Currently, the only guaranteed method to obtain a plush mascot is by winning a medal at the Games, as these toys are gifted to athletes on the podium. This exclusivity has added to the frenzy, with visitors expressing both frustration and amusement over the scarcity. The situation highlights the intense demand for Olympic memorabilia and the logistical challenges in meeting it during high-profile international events.
In summary, the Winter Olympic mascot craze has led to empty shelves in Milan and Cortina, underscoring the mascots' unexpected rise as a cultural phenomenon during the Games.
