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Pin trading, an Olympic tradition dating back to 1896, has become an unofficial sport at the Games. Athletes, officials, and media members eagerly seek out rare and coveted pins, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere in the Olympic Village.Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, and Serena Williams are among the high-profile athletes who have expressed their enthusiasm for pin trading. Osaka has vowed to "beg" for a Haitian pin, while Murray has embarked on a mission to find the smallest country's representative in the Village.The allure of pin trading lies in its ability to foster connections and break the ice. Athletes from different nations exchange pins, sharing their experiences and creating lasting memories. For some, like Don Bigsby, pin trading has become a lifelong passion. He has attended 20 Olympic Games and founded "Olympin," a forum for collectors to trade pins and memorabilia.Certain pins become highly sought-after, such as the 1996 Atlanta pin featuring onion rings for the Olympic rings and the 2002 Salt Lake City pin with a green Jell-O design. At the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles' custom heart-shaped pins were a hot commodity.Serena Williams, who began collecting pins at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, cherishes her collection, particularly pins from Thailand and North Korea. Former Indian shooter Anjali Bhagwat recalls the excitement of hunting for pins in the Olympic Village, creating a sense of camaraderie among athletes.Pin trading not only provides a fun and social activity but also serves as a tangible reminder of the Olympic experience. For Bigsby, his collection represents a lifetime of memories and friendships forged around the world.

The LPGA, the premier women's professional golf tour, has partnered with Hana Kuma, the production company founded by tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, to elevate the profiles of its players and strengthen the tour's brand.This innovative collaboration aims to make LPGA players household names by providing them with tailored assistance to enhance their personal brands. Eight players will be selected for an inaugural pilot program, receiving guidance on building their social media presence, engaging with fans, and developing their personal narratives.All LPGA athletes will also participate in a brand-building workshop in May, focusing on developing their personal brands and connecting with audiences. These initiatives are part of the LPGA's strategy to increase player recognition and build a stronger connection with fans.LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of showcasing the athletes' personal stories and athletic achievements. "Fans follow people and build strong affinity with those whom they know and connect," she said. "Our athletes are inspiring, particularly for young girls, and we can't wait to help give them the biggest platform possible."Osaka, who has been a vocal advocate for women's sports, expressed her excitement about the partnership. "With Hana Kuma, I want to pay it forward by helping empower and champion the LPGA players," she said. "Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes."Stuart Duguid, Osaka's longtime agent and co-founder of Hana Kuma, believes the partnership has the potential to transform women's sports. "We're excited to embark on this journey with the LPGA," he said. "Our commitment extends to amplifying the diverse narratives of LPGA athletes, reshaping their interactions with fans and sponsors, and pushing the boundaries to elevate women's sports to new heights."The LPGA's revenue has grown significantly in recent years, but only two golfers made Forbes' list of highest-paid female athletes last year. This partnership with Hana Kuma aims to address this disparity by providing players with the tools and resources to build their brands and increase their earning potential.