Australian Olympic gold medallist Brianna Throssell has shared why she is having her Olympic tattoo removed and issued a clear warning to others considering body art.
The 28-year-old swimmer got the iconic five Olympic rings tattooed on her wrist after her first Olympic appearance in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. However, over time, the tattoo has faded, and she now dislikes how it looks.
Speaking to her over 31,000 followers on TikTok, Throssell, who won gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics, explained the detailed process she’s undergoing to remove the tattoo.
“I loved it at the time, I thought it was super cool,” Throssell shared in the video. “But over time, the black ink ran, and the yellow ring faded. These days, I cover it up. It’s godawful… I never see it, it is so ugly.”
Throssell went on to describe the tattoo removal process. The Queensland-based swimmer said numbing cream was applied first, and after a 30-minute wait, the laser treatment began.
“It did hurt, but it was bearable,” she said. “They told me I’ll need eight sessions in total… then I’ll get it re-done properly.”
The swimmer also gave advice to anyone thinking about getting a tattoo: “Do your research before getting it.”
Throssell, originally from Western Australia, grew up idolizing fellow swimmer Stephanie Rice. Known for her skills as a relay swimmer, she is also an accomplished butterfly sprinter, having won a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Coached by Dean Boxall, Throssell’s recent gold medal win in Paris with teammates Lani Pallister, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Ariarne Titmus may be her last Olympic performance.
“I still love the sport and am so passionate about it, but I don’t think my mind and body will be there for Los Angeles in 2028,” she said when asked about her future in swimming. “The Commonwealth Games in 2026 is a really exciting opportunity… that will still be awesome.”
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