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Not to state the obvious, but there are many reasons to love watching Olympic athletes. Their superhuman strength and speed, their dedication to smashing records and making history, their uplifting attitudes—and no matter what tone-deaf men or Internet trolls might say, catching glimpses of their impressive makeup. And now, you can also add tattoo envy to that list. Here, we rounded up some our favorite Olympic ink sightings—pride and proof of these women’s achievements and spirit, forever immortalized.
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Irina Sazonova
A tattoo of the Olympic rings is a rite of passage for the few who have trained hard enough to qualify for the Olympic Games. And among them you can count Icelandic gymnast Irina Sazonova, who got the logo for this year’s games in Rio inked onto the back of her neck.
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Dana Vollmer
With both a bronze and a silver medal already in her possession from the Rio Games alone, we couldn’t think of a better tattoo for the U.S. Olympic swimmer.
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Vanessa Ferrari
Italy’s Vanessa Ferrari recently debuted her Olympic stamp during the women’s artistic gymnastics competition in Rio 2016.
Federica Pellegrini
Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini has a total of nine tattoos, but her most recognizable one is the phoenix on her right ankle due to its exposure during competitions.
Missy Franklin
Four-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin tattooed the Olympic rings to her upper hip in commemoration of her participation in the Games.
Kerri Walsh
We almost missed this adorable little tattoo on U.S. volleyball player Kerri Walsh. The tiny print is an infinity sign right above her bikini line. She also has another on her back.
Serena Williams
We can’t help but love tennis star Serena Williams. Not only is she one of the most accomplished athletes in the world (and officially the highest paid female athlete!), but squint closely and prepare to be adored by the tiny heart on the back of her neck.
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Monika Brzostek
Polish beach volleyball player, Monika Brzostek, has the phrase “Carpe Diem,” (which translates to “seize the day”) written in loopy, calligraphy on her lower back. Unsurprisingly, the Latin phrase is just as popular with celebrities as it is with athletes. Remember when Judi Dench opted for the same words as her first tattoo at the age of 81?
how to use a bow and arrow in the Hunger Games. So, although Lorig wasn’t able to make her sixth appearance in the 2016 Olympics this year, she still definitely deserves a spot on our list of favorite Olympian tattoos.
Luisa Peters
If there was even the slightest shred of doubt that the Cook Islands weightlifter, who competed in the 2012 Games, doesn’t deserve the logo on her arm, we think this photo proves it. What about you?
Svetlana Kuznetsova
Saving the arguably most boss design for last, Russian tennis star Svetlana Kuznetsova’s bicep tattoo reads, “Pain doesn’t kill me, I kill the pain.”
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