Swimmers have a unique way of expressing their individuality, with tattoos often serving as their personal canvas. Unlike other athletes who sport distinctive gear—figure skaters with costumes, skateboarders with decks, and footballers with boots—swimmers’ tattoos are impossible to hide, revealing a lot about their achievements, life philosophies, family, and heritage. Here’s a look at the most popular themes, the creative ink choices, and the surprising stories behind the tattoos of elite swimmers.
The Olympic Rings: A Symbol of Triumph
For many swimmers, the Olympic rings are more than just an iconic image—they symbolize an achievement that defines their careers. Joseph Schooling, who made history by winning Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in 2016, commemorated his success with a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his arm. The moment was so significant that Schooling chose to reveal the tattoo during a packed press conference, his right arm extended to display the vivid rings under a bandage.
This tattoo has become a popular way for athletes to celebrate their Olympic victories. Townley Haas, a U.S. swimmer, also inked the rings on his shoulder after winning gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay at Rio 2016. Similarly, Dutch butterfly specialist Nyls Korstanje adorned his neck with the rings after making his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. He later shared the milestone on social media, saying, “Joining the club.”
For some swimmers, even the bureaucratic red tape surrounding tattooing cannot deter them. Brazil’s Stephanie Balduccini, 16 at the time of her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, had to jump through several hoops—her parents had to provide notarized consent and be present when she got the tattoo. Despite the extra effort, Balduccini expressed her pride in the tattoo, stating, “People look and say, ‘Wow, you’re an Olympian!’”
While the Olympic rings are often the go-to design, swimmers still find creative ways to make the tattoo their own. USA’s Kieran Smith added Roman numerals to his, while Turkey’s Mert Kilavuz depicted one of the rings being picked up by chopsticks. His teammate, Berkay Ogretir, transformed the rings on his bicep into a vibrant firework display.
Celebrating the Love of Water: Poseidon and Japanese Symbols
For some swimmers, tattoos go beyond Olympic glory to reflect their passion for the sport itself. British swimmer Adam Peaty, known for his dominance in breaststroke, entered the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a new tattoo—a stark contrast to his previous inkless body. By the time he won his second individual gold medal, his arms were covered in tattoos, each representing different aspects of his personality.
Peaty’s favorite theme is ancient Greek mythology, particularly its aquatic references. His left forearm is adorned with an image of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, while a trident crosses his skin with the words “courage, integrity, belief.”
Italian swimmer Luca Dotto also celebrates his love for water and a memorable bet with his mother. At 17, Dotto promised his mother that if he earned a spot on the podium, he would get a tattoo. When he succeeded, he called her and simply said, “Book the tattoo appointment.” Dotto now sports the Japanese symbol for water on his back as a tribute to that moment.
Animal-Inspired Ink: Eagles, Bears, and Hidden Butterflies
Swimmers’ tattoos aren’t always about sports or mythological references—some athletes express their personalities through animal imagery or secretive designs. Italy’s Dotto isn’t the only swimmer with a tattoo inspired by a personal story. British swimmer Freya Anderson also has a hidden tattoo—a butterfly on her ribcage. She spent over a year concealing it from her parents, even while on holiday and swimming in a costume, always wary of their discovery.
It wasn’t until the night before her first Olympic race at Tokyo 2020 that Anderson finally confessed to her mother. “I just had enough of hiding it,” she explained. Her mother initially didn’t believe it was real, thinking it was a temporary tattoo. “No way. That’s a stick-on,” Anderson recalled her mother saying. “I was like, ‘No, it’s real.’”
In addition to these stories, other swimmers have turned to animal symbolism to express their strength and personal journeys. One swimmer, inspired by the natural world, even swapped a tattoo of an eagle for a bear, marking a significant personal transformation.
The Boldness of Body Art in Swimming
Tattoos in the swimming world reflect more than just aesthetics—they tell the story of each swimmer’s journey, challenges, and triumphs. From Olympic rings to mythical figures and animals, these tattoos are deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of some of the world’s best swimmers. Whether marking an Olympic victory, fulfilling a bet, or simply celebrating the love of water, these tattoos immortalize the moments that define their careers and lives.
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