Paralympians were banned from having Olympic rings tattoos. Here's why.

As we avidly tuned in to the 2024 Paris Olympics, many of us couldn't help but notice the iconic Olympic rings tattoos adorning the bodies of numerous athletes.

These permanent marks of pride and achievement have become a common sight at the Olympic Games. 

However, in the history of the Paralympic Games, fans have been hard-pressed to spot any such tattoos on the competing athletes. 

Until now, Paralympians have been banned from displaying Olympic rings tattoos during the games. 

The rule was finally lifted in 2024, ahead of the Paris Paralympic Games. But the history of the rule is quite complex.

So, why were Olympic rings tattoos banned at the Paralympics?

Both the Olympics and Paralympics have bans against body advertisements, which includes tattoos that promote certain brands. 

It's to stop situations like the one in 2012, when American middle-distance runner Nick Symmonds made headlines for selling a 9-inch advertisement space on his arm to T-Mobile for $21,800.

So why not the rings specifically?

While Paralympians were always allowed to have an Olympic ring tattoo, they used to be banned from having it on display at the Paralympic Games. The primary reason lies in the distinct branding and governance of the Paralympic Games. 

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the governing body for the Paralympics, and it has its own logo and branding, which is separate from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Olympic rings are a trademarked symbol of the IOC, and their use is carefully regulated. The IPC, respecting this intellectual property, prohibited the display of Olympic rings during Paralympic events to maintain its distinct identity and avoid confusion.

The Paralympic logo, known as the "Agitos," consists of three asymmetrical crescent-shaped arcs in red, blue, and green, symbolizing movement and the spirit of the Paralympic athletes. This logo is unique to the Paralympics and is not interchangeable with the Olympic rings.

The two logos are quite different. Image: IOC/IPC

Were there consequences for Paralympians who display Olympic rings?

Athletes who participate in the Paralympics are subject to strict guidelines regarding their appearance during competitions. Displaying the Olympic rings, whether through tattoos or other means, used to result in disqualification. 

This rule was enforced to maintain the "integrity and distinct identity" of the Paralympic Games.

This rule was tested in 2016, when swimmer Josef Craig was disqualified from the men's S8 100m freestyle final at the IPC European Championships in Madeira. The reason for his disqualification was not related to his swimming performance but rather to his failure to cover up a tattoo of the Olympic rings and a British lion's head on his chest. 

In subsequent competitions, Craig had to cover his Olympic rings tattoo to avoid further disqualification. For example, during the 2016 Rio Paralympics, he covered the tattoo with a picture of the Union Jack.

Several Paralympic athletes have faced similar disqualification due to their Olympic rings tattoos.

Josef Craig was disqualified for having his Olympic rings tattoo on display. Image: Getty

Why was the Olympic rings tattoo ban lifted at the 2024 Paralympics?

The International Paralympic Committee announced it will no longer require Paralympians to cover up their tattoos of the Olympic rings during competition.

"Athletes with such tattoos do not need to cover them up," Craig Spence, the chief brand and communications officer for the IPC, said, per The New York Times.

It comes after the IOC and IPC signed a long-term agreement in June that they would work more closely together, with the aim of increasing the visibility of the Paralympic Games and deepening the co-operation within the 'Olympic agenda'. 

IOC President Thomas Bach said, "The IOC and IPC share the same goal of making the world a better place through sport, and I look forward to our two organisations working closely together to achieve this. 

"The IPC's focus on sport for all and on high-level performance will enable it to reach more and more people around the world, and to ensure the organisation's long-term success."

Can Paralympians have tattoos at the Games?

Paralympians are indeed allowed to have tattoos, but they must adhere to the IPC's guidelines. Until now, they could have any tattoo they wish, as long as it did not display the Olympic rings or any other logo that could be seen as conflicting with the Paralympic branding. 

Now, that distinction is abolished, and they can wear the Paralympic or Olympic symbols.

Olympians, as always, are not required to cover up their Olympic rings tattoos during competitions. 

This is because the IOC does not have a rule prohibiting the display of its own logo. In fact, many Olympians proudly showcase their Olympic rings tattoos as a symbol of their participation and achievement in the Games.

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