Taboos & Tattoos in Men’s Gymnastics
Some history…
Tattoos in men’s gymnastics were rare before the 2010s. The sport’s traditional image emphasized clean lines, uniformity, and a “polished” appearance. Visible ink was often frowned upon, with many athletes covering their tattoos to avoid criticism from judges, coaches, and sponsors. But in recent years, the sport has seen a shift. More and more male gymnasts display their tattoos, reflecting personal stories, milestones, struggles, and wins.
Culture significantly influences the perception of tattoos in 2025: gymnasts who possess extensive body ink predominantly represent European (Netherlands, Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Russia, Italy, Cyprus) or American nations. Conversely, gymnasts from Japan, China and other Asian countries are considerably less inclined to exhibit prominent tattoos; they even may be linked to organized crime associations in some countries.
There are also various types of tattoos. The focus here is on gymnasts who possess tattoos that cover significant portions of their bodies, rendering it impossible for them to conceal these markings beneath their attire or tape.
Why the change?
Cultural shift
The perception of tattoos has evolved over the years. As they became more socially accepted and mainstream, athletes felt more comfortable showcasing them.
Before the 1990s, tattoos were less prevalent than they are today and predominantly signified affiliation with tribal and ancestral traditions. In Western nations, they carried a distinct reputation, often regarded as the domain of sailors, prisoners, rock musicians, or bikers. This perception has evolved, and tattoos are no longer exclusively associated with “bad boys”.
Artistic Gymnastics has always been highly regimented: there are strict rules about presentation, behavior and attire. Gymnasts mindset is influenced by these uncompromising regulations and both athletes and coaches didn’t really want to start a riot by exposing their tattoos.
Marcel Nguyen, representing Germany, was among the first elite gymnasts to prominently display his tattoos during a major competition: he secured two silver medals in the All-Around and Parallel Bars events at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, showcasing his left arm fully adorned with ink.
Personal Expression and Individuality
Tattoos often serve as a form of self-expression. Athletes may choose to display tattoos that reflect their personality, beliefs, or personal experiences. In a sport that emphasizes uniformity and precision, gymnasts tattoos can provide a way for athletes to express their individuality and stand out. Many gymnasts with tattoos choose designs that symbolize their journey. Whether it’s the Olympic rings, an inspiring quote, or an image representing perseverance, their ink is a permanent reminder of what they’ve endured.
Cultural and Personal Significance
Some gymnasts tattoos connect them to their heritage or personal beliefs. Whether it’s a family symbol, a religious icon, or a design inspired by their home country, these tattoos serve as a source of strength and identity.
Courtney Tulloch (GBR) has a lion tattoo on his arm, symbolizing strength, courage, and resilience: “The lion is a symbol of pride, power, and perseverance – everything I stand for as an athlete,” Courtney explained.
Sam Mikulak (USA) retired after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and is also one of the “gymnasts with tattoos”: he’s a three-time Olympian and got the Olympic rings tattooed on his ribs after competing in the 2012 London Olympics. Like many gymnasts, he saw it as a symbol of his hard work and the pinnacle of his career. “It’s something I worked my whole life for. Having it on my body forever is a reminder of the journey and the sacrifices it took to get there,” Mikulak once said in an interview.
Breaking Stereotypes
For decades, gymnastics maintained a conservative image, but today’s athletes are pushing boundaries. The rise of tattoos in men’s gymnastics mirrors a broader cultural shift – one that embraces individuality and expression. Some gymnasts may feel that tattoos enhance their overall aesthetic, contributing to their image as athletes.
Nikita Nagornyy (RUS) is an Olympic gold medalist and has angel wings tattooed on his back. His tattoo represents protection, guidance, and his belief in pushing himself beyond limits. He said “Tattoos don’t change how we perform – they’re part of who we are.”
Four athletes share their personal experience with tattoos in men’s gymnastics
Bart Deurloo (NED)
FIRST TATTOO AND INSPIRATION ?
It was on my ribs and I was 17. It basically says YOLO “you only live once, so try to live it twice”. Fun fact: I never knew that YOLO was an acronym for it. 🙂 I saw it in an magazine if I remember correctly…
EVER GOT A TATTOO TO COMMEMORATE A MAJOR MILESTONE IN YOUR CAREER?
Of course! I have the Olympics Rings and Torch for Rio 2016 on my calve. Anime and manga are a big part in my life so I have some characters tattooed.
HAVE YOUR TATTOOS EVER SPARKED CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR FEDERATION? COACHES OR JUDGES?
Not really, but I guess they just didn’t know how to react, since it was pretty new in the gymnastics scene.
DO YOU THINK YOUR TATTOOS IMPACT HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE YOU AS AN ATHLETE? ANY STIGMA?
Yes I think it wasn’t really accepted at first, especially with the FIG being a bunch of “older” folks who saw gymnastics as a traditional gentleman’s sport. They weren’t too keen on changes like that. Since it’s a sport where you get judged by everyone around the globe, I probably lost some points because of it here and there, which I think was a bad thing: it made me insecure about myself and didn’t feel accepted. It’s just a tattoo it doesn’t change your personality. It’s a way for people to express themselves through art.
ALTHOUGH THE FIG DOESN’T BAN TATTOOS IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS, THEY CAN ASK GYMNASTS TO COVER THEM IF THEY CONSIDERED THEM “INAPPROPRIATE”. ANY THOUGHT?
I think that if you have a tattoo, which is obvious disrespectful to other countries or people they should be able to ask you to cover it.
15 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE NO GYMNASTS WITH TATTOOS COMPETING. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSED A SHIFT IN THE PERCEPTION OF TATTOOS IN THE 2010s?
If I remember correctly, Marcel Nguyen was the first to compete with very visible tattoos. I was second and right after me, it was Casimir. We were the first ones to roll up our sleeves (so to speak) at a major competition.
The moment when gymnasts with tattoos became more common marked a significant turning point. After Marcel secured a silver medal at the Olympics, many athletes started thinking “if he can achieve Olympic success with his arm adorned in ink, it must be permissible.” This prompted a substantial shift within the sport. Kind of proud to be one of the first gymnasts who played a role in such a major shift in the sport.
THERE ARE SEVERAL GYMNASTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WHO HAVE TATTOOS ON A LARGE PART OF THEIR BODIES? IS THERE A TATTOO CLUB IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS?
I don’t know and I don’t think so, it’s so accepted and normal today. The outside world is more invested in this than the gymnasts themselves.
Nicola Bartolini (ITA)
FIRST TATTOO AND INSPIRATION ?
At the age of 14, I chose to have a four-leaf clover tattoo, believing that it would bring me good fortune 🙂
EVER GOT A TATTOO TO COMMEMORATE A MAJOR MILESTONE IN YOUR CAREER?
I had a leg sleeve tattoo to commemorate my World Champion title on Floor in 2021.
HAVE YOUR TATTOOS EVER SPARKED CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR FEDERATION? COACHES OR JUDGES?
My tattoos have not previously initiated any discussions. Occasionally, upon acquiring a new tattoo, some people may ask “Is that yet another one?”
DO YOU THINK YOUR TATTOOS IMPACT HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE YOU AS AN ATHLETE? ANY STIGMA?
Historically, it may have been unusual to encounter an athlete adorned with tattoos. However, I believe we have largely transcended this “taboo,” and it has now become commonplace to observe athletes exhibiting various tattoos.
ALTHOUGH THE FIG DOESN’T BAN TATTOOS IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS, THEY CAN ASK GYMNASTS TO COVER THEM IF THEY CONSIDERED THEM “INAPPROPRIATE”. ANY THOUGHT?
My only noteworthy experience occurred in Japan, where I was referred to as “Mister Yakuza.” However, I have never been required to conceal my tattoos.
15 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE NO GYMNASTS WITH TATTOOS COMPETING. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSED A SHIFT IN THE PERCEPTION OF TATTOOS IN THE 2010s?
I think that times have changed in a positive way, leading to a decline in prejudices surrounding tattoos…
THERE ARE SEVERAL GYMNASTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WHO HAVE TATTOOS ON A LARGE PART OF THEIR BODIES? IS THERE A TATTOO CLUB IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS?
If this club exists, I would aspire to be its President…
Casimir Schmidt (NED)
FIRST TATTOO AND INSPIRATION ?
It was a tattoo on my biceps: it says “FX-PH-SR-VT-PB-HB”, which are the acronyms of the events in men’s artistic gymnastics. It was on my 17th birthday
EVER GOT A TATTOO TO COMMEMORATE A MAJOR MILESTONE IN YOUR CAREER?
Yes! I have the Olympics Rings and the number 13 for my 13th place in the All-Around in Paris.
HAVE YOUR TATTOOS EVER SPARKED CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR FEDERATION? COACHES OR JUDGES?
Not particularly. However, whenever I acquire a new tattoo, individuals often inquire, “Oh, you have another one?” [editor’s note: Casimir and Nicola have similar problems]
DO YOU THINK YOUR TATTOOS IMPACT HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE YOU AS AN ATHLETE? ANY STIGMA?
There may have been a minor impact when I began acquiring highly visible tattoos. Some may have thought that I shouldn’t have such visible tattoos. However, I think public opinions regarding tattoos have evolved, and people are increasingly accepting.
ALTHOUGH THE FIG DOESN’T BAN TATTOOS IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS, THEY CAN ASK GYMNASTS TO COVER THEM IF THEY CONSIDERED THEM “INAPPROPRIATE”. ANY THOUGHT?
Luckily, I have never been asked to cover mine!
15 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE NO GYMNASTS WITH TATTOOS COMPETING. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSED A SHIFT IN THE PERCEPTION OF TATTOOS IN THE 2010s?
I have honestly no clue. However, it appears that tattoos have gained greater acceptance, not only within the gymnastics community but also in broader society.
THERE ARE SEVERAL GYMNASTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WHO HAVE TATTOOS ON A LARGE PART OF THEIR BODIES? IS THERE A TATTOO CLUB IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS?
Ha ha ha 🙂 , I am not aware of any such club; however, if it does exist, I would be interested in becoming a member.
[editor’s note: Nicola Bartolini has already requested to be named President]
Nestor Abad (ESP)
FIRST TATTOO AND INSPIRATION ?
My first tattoo was my name on my lower belly. I was 17 years old.
EVER GOT A TATTOO TO COMMEMORATE A MAJOR MILESTONE IN YOUR CAREER?
90% of my tattoos have a meaning of course; and I have the Olympic Rings!
HAVE YOUR TATTOOS EVER SPARKED CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR FEDERATION? COACHES OR JUDGES?
Luckily, I have never had any problems because of my tattoos.
DO YOU THINK YOUR TATTOOS IMPACT HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE YOU AS AN ATHLETE? ANY STIGMA?
I don’t know how I’m perceived as an athlete [editor’s note: he’s called Mister ELegance for obvious reasons]. I think being myself is the best thing I can do. Prejudices have always existed, but it’s not like they only focus on my tattoos…
ALTHOUGH THE FIG DOESN’T BAN TATTOOS IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS, THEY CAN ASK GYMNASTS TO COVER THEM IF THEY CONSIDERED THEM “INAPPROPRIATE”. ANY THOUGHT?
I have never had to cover up my tattoos. I don’t hurt anyone, I just paint waht inspires me.
15 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE NO GYMNASTS WITH TATTOOS COMPETING. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSED A SHIFT IN THE PERCEPTION OF TATTOOS IN THE 2010s?
Getting tattoos became fashionable. I didn’t only happen in gymnastics, it also happened in all other sports.
THERE ARE SEVERAL GYMNASTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WHO HAVE TATTOOS ON A LARGE PART OF THEIR BODIES? IS THERE A TATTOO CLUB IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS?
I don’t think there’s a club but “real recognizes real” 🙂
Are Tattoos Still Frowned Upon in Men’s Gymnastics?
While gymnasts tattoos are more accepted than before, some athletes still choose to cover them during competitions, especially in countries where conservative attitudes persist. In some cases, judges and officials may subtly disapprove, but overall, the stigma has lessened. “A decade ago, I would have hidden my tattoo. Now, I wear it proudly. It’s part of who I am,” says a European gymnast.
As more athletes embrace tattoos, the sport’s culture continues to evolve. What was once seen as unprofessional is now a form of self-expression. Younger gymnasts growing up today may never experience the stigma that older generations did. Tattoos in men’s gymnastics are no longer just a trend -they’re a statement, a story, and a celebration of the journey that every athlete takes.
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What about female gymnasts?
Regarding female gymnasts, the circumstances are notably distinct due to the stricter regulations imposed. During the 2012 Olympic Games, while Marcel Nguyen secured two silver medals with his left arm adorned in ink, Olympic Champion Cătălina Ponor (ROU) had to conceal her smaller tattoo with tape during the competition. The regulations governing Women’s Artistic Gymnastics concerning attire, hair, makeup, and overall presentation are strict, often lacking logical consistency and precision; at present, there is no female gymnast competing at the international level who possesses a comparable number of tattoos as their male counterparts. This could be a subject for another article…
A big thank you to: Bart 🇳🇱 , Casimir 🇳🇱, Nicola 🇮🇹 and Nestor 🇪🇸
More here:
Gymnasts Interviews
Nile Wilson’s YouTube Video About Tattoos in Men’s Gymnastics
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