Here is Why Many Athletes Have the Same Olympic Rings Tattoo
Over the past two decades, the trend of tattooing Olympic rings has significantly grown among Summer Olympic athletes. These tattoos appear on various parts of their bodies, from arms and necks to torsos, ankles, and feet. Some chose larger, colorful designs, while others opted for subtlity with smaller, discrete tattoos. Regardless of these differences, the tattoo consistently symbolizes an important message to the athletes. This is prepared by SSP.
Origin of Tradition
Chris Jacobs, a swimmer with three medals from the 1988 Seoul Olympics, notes that the Olympic rings tattoo has "become a rite of passage," symbolizing membership in an exclusive club. Jacobs, who may be credited with starting this trend, was inspired by Canadian swimmers showcasing small Canadian flag tattoos. Soon, prominent swimmers like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte followed suit, and this symbol quickly spread to athletes in various other sports.
Jacobs first got a discreet Olympic rings tattoo after the 1988 Seoul Games on his hip where it wouldn't be visible during competitions. Eventually, he opted for larger, more visible artwork, including a prominent design on his right bicep. Reflecting on the significance, Jacobs said, "They represent a lot to many people. I wanted to remember that period in my life."
Personal Significance and Beliefs
For athletes, Olympic rings tattoos carry deep, personal significance, marking their participation and embodying the effort and dedication required to compete in the Games. Beyond being an emblem of their Olympic journey, these tattoos are laden with personal beliefs and superstitions—symbols of pride, luck, and a constant reminder of their commitment to their sport and their achievement.
Olympians like Mary Tucker also imbue these tattoos with superstitions, suggesting they should be inked only post-competition. She told USA Today that premature tattoos, made in anticipation of qualifying, bring bad luck, stating she knew of several who got inked before competing but never made it to the Games.
Prominent athletes such as Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, and the greatly decorated Michael Phelps carry these iconic rings, each variation uniquely personal, often including the year or city of their Olympic participation, cementing forever their indelible bond with the Olympic spirit.
