What's Mandostan?
This story takes place in Turin in 2006, during the Winter Olympics. The world's eyes are on the athletes and the nations competing on one of the biggest stages in sport. But those Games would end up being remembered for something that had nothing to do with medals.
While volunteering at the Olympics, three creative young men noticed that only VIPs had access to the most exclusive parties and events. So they came up with an outrageous plan: if they couldn't get in as volunteers, they would get in as athletes.
The only problem? They didn't represent a real country.
They invented an entirely fictional nation called Mandostan and successfully convinced people they were members of its Olympic delegation. Posing as international athletes, they trained alongside professionals, attended celebrity parties, and gained access to exclusive events reserved for official delegations.
Their stunt worked, until a journalist uncovered the truth and exposed the elaborate hoax.
The prank sparked an embarrassing question: how could the organizers of one of the world's biggest sporting events don’t know their geography?
The story spread rapidly. Television networks, magazines, and newspapers all wanted to interview the three men. The volunteers who refused to stay "just volunteers" became one of the most talked about stories of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
Athletes with Edson Bindilatti — 2006
Athletes with David Trezeguet — 2006
Athletes with Bode Miller — 2006
Cortina 2026.
Twenty years have passed.
The original three pranksters have grown older, but the spirit of Mandostan lives on through a new generation.
This time, it's Federico and Giancarlo. Two volunteers armed with nothing more than a uniform, a flag, and absolutely no official accreditation. Their greatest asset isn't a fake credential. It's hope.
Hope that the legendary hoax might work one more time.
After all, twenty years have passed. Technology has advanced. Security is tighter than ever. Surely no one could pull it off again.
And yet, driven by youthful curiosity and sheer determination, the two young men manage to do the impossible. They slip into exclusive galas, gain access to athletes' houses, and meet Olympians and sporting legends from around the world.
But, just like the first time, the illusion can't last forever.
A major Swedish media outlet uncovers the truth, exposing the hoax to the world. Once again, Mandostan becomes one of the most talked about stories of the Winter Olympics without competing in a single event.
Athletes with Jürgen Klopp
Athletes with Boris Becker
Athletes with Valérie Grenier
We've told you where this nation began, and how it returned twenty years later.
Now, the story belongs to you.
Mandostan has no borders. It can't be found on any map, and it has no permanent home. It exists only when someone chooses to become part of it.
It is a nation built on curiosity, imagination, and the courage to challenge the ordinary.
No one knows where the story will go next. That's the beauty of it.
The only thing we know for certain is that, when the time comes, Mandostan will welcome anyone willing to carry its flag and continue the mission.
Because some nations are defined by the land they occupy.
Mandostan is defined by the people who dare to believe in it.