8/9/12
The tattoo industry in London is getting a big boost as fans flock to get themselves inked to commemorate their experience at the games. It seems that people take a "whatever happens in Vegas…" attitude toward events like this, and it seems that the Olympics is a special time even above and beyond all others. Sure, some people might get Super Bowl tattoos or Stanley Cup tattoos, but it seems that as time goes by, there is a unique connection growing between the Olympic Games and getting inked, for athletes and fans alike.
We already mentioned Javier Culson, the Cuban hurdler who wears an eyebrow piercing in last week's Weekly Countdown segment. Not only is Javier pierced, he is also inked, sporting the Olympic rings, and, to the delight of gamers everywhere, a design of Sonic the Hedgehog standing in front of a Cuban flag. Could there be a more perfect icon for a hurdler?! We submit that there simply cannot! Culson made his country proud with a bronze medal in the 110 meter hurdles at the games this week, adding a key piece of jewelry to his collection.
800 meter runner Nick Symmonds has found a unique way to cash in on his Olympic quest, as he will run while sporting a temporary eBay tattoo to promote the site, netting him a cool $11,100. Unfortunately for eBay, due to restrictions on advertising through USA Track & Field, Symmonds will be forced to cover up the tattoo with a piece of tape during the race. The company doesn't regret the decision to turn Symmonds into a running billboard, however, as their ad is visible while he trains, and of course, they get writers to publish articles online about it, drawing even more attention to their site. You're welcome, eBay. Now where's our $11,100??
And finally, we wrap up our 2012 Olympic coverage with the story of a dedicated fan who has managed to make headlines thanks to her decision to get the Olympic rings not tattooed but pierced onto her body! The five interlocking rings were secured to her thigh via surface piercing by her sister, who is a professional piercer.
