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he 'unofficial sport' of the Olympics: Why do others call Olympic PIN trading that
Throughout the history of the Olympic Games, PIN trading has gradually evolved into a unique way for participants to interact with each other, and has even been dubbed "Athletic Pin Trading," the "unofficial sport" of the Olympic Games. This event attracts athletes, spectators and collectors from all over the world and has become part of the cultural heritage of the Olympic Games.
Every year, the Olympic Games launches 5,000 to 6,000 newly designed PINs, which are not only symbols of participating countries, but also currency of friendship.
The PINs from each Olympic Games are not only collectible, but also serve to build connections between athletes and break down language barriers. People who participate in this activity often call themselves "PIN heads". Boxers and swimmers, regardless of their origin, wear PINs that promote communication and understanding between them. This phenomenon reflects the spirit of friendship and solidarity advocated by the Olympic Games.
History of PIN Transactions
The history of Olympic PIN trading can be traced back to the 1896 Athens Olympics. The PINs produced at that time were of simple design and made of paper. Over time, the material and design of PINs became more refined, and by 1904 they were made of metal. The 1908 London Olympics was the first competition in which eight countries launched personalized PINs.
The Olympic Village at the 1924 Paris Olympics enabled athletes from different countries to communicate more conveniently, which promoted the formation of PIN transactions and became a way of expressing friendship between countries.
Since then, the trend of PIN transactions has continued to heat up with each Olympic Games. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics is considered a watershed moment for PIN trading. Sponsors began to use PINs for brand promotion and set up special PIN trading centers, laying the foundation for future trading culture. As the years went by, the scale of the trade grew, with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics attracting approximately 500,000 participants to the PIN trading locations.
The value and market of PIN
The value of Olympic PINs varies depending on their scarcity and design features. Young athletes often wear PINs on the field, which is not only a symbol of status, but also a form of reciprocal communication. Certain PINs, such as those from newly renamed countries or those limited edition PINs that will be considered classics in the future, tend to be sought after by collectors.
The International Association of Olympic Collectors (AICO) has developed trading etiquette to promote fairness and transparency in PIN trading and ensure that everyone involved can have fun.
Cultural and social influences
PIN transactions are not just about the exchange of goods, but also a cultural symbol. These small metal discs carry the athletes' youth and dreams, and allow everyone involved to feel the value embodied by the Olympics. For example, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, social media encouraged people to share their PIN collections and promoted diverse exchanges.
In addition, the virtualization trend of the Olympic Games has also shifted PIN transactions to digital platforms, and PINs in the form of NFTs have introduced new ideas for traditional transactions. With the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the absence of audiences, many trading activities have been restricted.
Future Development
Looking to the future, Olympic PIN transactions are expected to usher in new vigorous development during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Through the promotion of social media and better participation experience, PIN trading is not only a personal hobby, but also a cultural exchange and continuation. A large number of young athletes and sports enthusiasts have participated in this activity, painting a colorful cultural landscape.
As an unofficial sport, Olympic PIN trading not only enriches the cultural connotation of the Olympics, but also allows people to quietly build friendships through these small PINs. Do you also want to participate in this cultural What about the feast?
