Tattoos a permanent reminder of athletic dedication
As an athlete in the Olympics, there is always a way to capture the memories even if you don’t bring home a medal — get a tattoo of the Olympic rings. That’s exactly what several athletes did as they hopped on the tattoo bandwagon and visited London tattoo shops to get inked while at the Games this year.
Darryl Gates, owner of Diamond Jacks, a tattoo parlor in London’s Soho area says that most of the visitors wanting a symbol of their stay were from the US. “They’re mainly Americans — there’s a hell of a lot of Americans in town,” he said during the first week of the Games.
Below are some Olympic favorites showing off their commemorative body art:
Swimmer Missy Franklin, 17, got her parents’ permission for the tat that she excitedly tweeted a photo of.
Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice stretched with her Beijing Games tattoo plainly in sight. Wonder if she will add London beneath it?
(Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Lightweight boxer Queen Underwood proudly showed off her Olympic guns for the camera.
(John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports)
U.S. gymnast Jonathan Horton competed in time trials with his Olympic tattoo perfectly placed.
(Kyle Terada – US PRESSWIRE)
One of the biggest Olympic tattoos on an athlete is Robinson Baker, a diver from Great Britain.
(Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)
Lastly, we can’t leave out golden boy and sex symbol Ryan Lochte.
(Jake Chessum – Men’s Journal)
As tattoos are very commonplace today, it isn’t surprising to see these amazing athletes showcasing their pride in their sport, their country and of course, the Olympics with a little ink.
