Tattoos In Sport
When I used to go running, was also part of an online group of amateur runners. I remember many of them got tattoos after running half marathons or/and marathons. It was a great achievement, each km ran is yours, no one can take it away from you. They were proud and I would have been too. I'm not sure I'd have gotten a tattoo, but running a half marathon or a marathon would have worth it.
I know some of the athletes who won Olympic medals are tattooing the Olympic symbol on them, I wanted to list a few in my post but meanwhile researching a few names I came across a gymnast that is more interesting that just a few names with the Olympic symbol on them.
His name is Marcel Nguyen from Germany. I've seen her in major competitions and remember how surprised I've been when I saw all his tattoos. I'm not saying gymnasts are not inked, they are but have never seen one like Nguyen. Ok, let me tell you who he is first and then I'll show you his tattoos and tell you what those mean.
His full name is Marcel Van Minh Phuc Long Nguyen, but he's called Nguyen. Imagine the commentator saying Marcel Van Minh Phuc Long Nguyen all the time they speak about him. He's 32 now, he's from Germany and 3 golds, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals at the European Championships, 1 bronze at the World Championship in 2007 and 2 silver Olympic medals in 2012 in London.
It is impressive, every gymnast would want those medals. I remember it was a pleasure watching him in competitions. There's one element named after him, which is also a great achievement.
source
Now look at him, he is seriously inked I'd say :) Now let's see what he has on him.
On his chest there's this saying “Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever”. Actually this is a very good quote and it's true. I am always telling myself this when I have to undergo a painful treatment or surgery.
On his left shoulder there's the the Acropolis, that is the origin of the ancient Olympic Games. As I said above, many athletes have the Olympic symbol inked on them, he chose the Acropolis. On his left forearm there's Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory. On his left upper arm he has an ancient Greek man holding the famous Olympic torch. On his triceps he has a trophy. On his back there's this VII-MMXII, which means 7 - 2012 translated in Arabic numerals, London Summer Olympic 2012 most likely. He has more but these are spot related, or better said Olympics related.
At first glance one may think these were just inked on him for fun but this is actually a well planned composition and what's more important, he has worked for this a lot. These tattoos have deep meaning for him, he has worked hard to get those medals.