The symbol of the five Olympic rings is one of the most distinctive images across the globe. And this year it is more visible than ever. More and more people are sporting the famous logo—including athletes, and fans.
They have come to South America for the first time ever. And, of course, everyone wants to get close to those Olympic rings The design—created in 1912— is one of the world’s most recognized logos. And now, it seems, it really is everywhere.
The International Olympic Committee recently clarified that its ban on athletes displaying any tattoos, which could be seen as advertising, does not include its own brand.
Tattooed rings have become both a memento, and a lucky charm, for many competitors. And that, in turn, has started a new vogue here in Brazil, which already, with its beach culture, is one of the world's most tattooed nations.
When Ygor Zuma heard this parlor in Rio was offering Olympic tattoos he headed straight over.
A fanatical sports fan, the idea of wearing an Olympic symbol for life made perfect sense to him, even though joining the club can be painful.
“It is great to have the Olympics here in Brazil, and having a tattoo to pay tribute to this is what I really wanted. To show all the love I have for sports, the Olympics, how much I support Brazil-all of that. And I hope it will help bring many gold medals. It is an incredible experience. A memory for my whole life,” Zuma said.
Tattoo artist Anderson Tyosaii says clients often ask him to give them the image of the moment. And right now, that is the Games.
“With the Olympics here, people have been asking about themes linked to the games. A lot of people are looking for scenes of images of sports, and the Olympic Rings, which are a symbol of unity,” Tyosaii said.
After about 90 minutes of tattooing, Ygor was delighted with the result. Already, many are saying that this Olympics has left a lasting impression on Brazil. For some, that is literally true.
