The Olympic Passion: Pin Traders in Action

At every Olympic Games, while athletes chase medals, fans and volunteers find joy in trading Olympic pins. This tradition dates back to the first modern Olympics in 1896. A cast of dedicated pin traders, including Brad Frank from the USA, Ross Baxter from Canada, and Yorick Spieker from Germany, brings their passion to the forefront, navigating the event with their unique collections.

At every Olympic Games, athletes may seek glory through medals, but for many fans and volunteers, the essence of the experience is rooted in a unique tradition: Olympic pin trading. This age-old practice began in 1896 and has become an integral part of the Games culture.

Enthusiastic pin traders like Brad Frank from the USA, Ross Baxter from Canada, and Yorick Spieker from Germany dedicate hours to this passion. Frank, who has been trading since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, shares, "I love to meet people from all over the world and experience the Olympic spirit." For his compatriots, it’s less about money and more about the joy and camaraderie that pin trading brings.

Baxter and Spieker echo this sentiment. The 86-year-old Baxter started his journey during the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary and now boasts a vast collection of pins. Meanwhile, Spieker, who began trading in 1992 during the Barcelona Olympics, emphasizes, "I would never do this for the money; I already have enough." For these passionate collectors, pin trading is about connecting with the global community.