The Olympics are built on tradition: the lighting the torch, the Parade of Nations. One in particular is taking the Games by storm in 2024: pin trading.
This tradition may be less obvious to those enjoying the Games from the comfort of their own homes. But social media has opened the door between the common viewer and Olympic athlete, allowing fans a glimpse into the Olympic village.
One of the most prominent social aspects of the Olympic experience for those at the Games is pin trading, a tradition involving swapping and collecting official country pins as well as pins from media networks, host cities and sponsors.
Some of the biggest celebrities in Paris have gotten in on the action this year, including Snoop Dogg and Simone Biles. Here's how they got involved and some more information on the long-standing Olympic activity.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
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What is pin trading at the Olympics?
The practice of pin trading reportedly dates all the way back to the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens. Then, pins were made out of cardboard and used to identify athletes and media. Now, athletes, team staff, event employees, fans, journalists and sponsors participate with pins that are a bit more durable.
The Opening Ceremony is a hotbed for trading, with some of this year's athletes even tossing pins across the Seine while in their boats during the Parade of Nations. Fans get in on the action as well, with collector clubs dedicated to the pseudo-sport.
Trading also serves as an opportunity to meet people while swapping just as much as it is to collect pins. That being said, pins these days are much more advanced than they were when the tradition began, some now with changing colors, moving parts and lights embedded.
MORE: Who has won the most gold medals in 2024? Current Olympic medal count so far at Paris Games
Snoop Dogg Olympic pin
This year's broadcaster extraordinaire and one of the biggest celebrities outside the athletes at the Paris Games, Snoop Dogg is one of several individuals with his very own Olympic pin. Team USA's Coco Gauff got lucky and added one to her collection.
Coco Gauff's got the @SnoopDogg #Olympics pin 🤩#Paris2024 | #tennis pic.twitter.com/W6zRDFoeae
— ITF (@ITFTennis) July 29, 2024
Simone Biles Olympic pin
In addition to Snoop, Team USA gymnast Simone Biles has her own pin featuring her signature inside of a heart.
MORE: How Simone Biles mastered Yurchenko double pike
Of course, Biles is one of the most popular athletes at the Games regardless, but for avid pin collectors, finding Biles has a whole new layer of excitement.
imagine going to trade pins with THE simone biles and you get a THE simone biles pin! pic.twitter.com/Jf7tBIF26l
— josephine (@ringleaps) July 23, 2024
