An Olympic Tattoo at Age 73 My Connection to the Olympics

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As an adult, my passion for athletics evolved into designing products specifically tailored for Olympic hopefuls. I have dedicated myself to helping athletes achieve their dreams of competing on the world stage.

As a symbol of athletic excellence, the Olympic rings have long inspired athletes and sports enthusiasts. The five interlocking rings represent unity, friendship, and cooperation between nations, making it one of the most recognized symbols in the world—a representation of unity, friendship, and cooperation between nations. The five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red represent the five continents that compete in the Games. This powerful meaning behind the rings resonates deeply with me and solidifies my connection to them.   

The celebration of my past with an Olympic ring tattoo was not due to any of my athletic abilities.  Having this symbol permanently etched on my skin reminds me of my love for athletics and its impact on my life. It is also a tribute to all the athletes I have assisted in chasing their Olympic dreams. During my high school and college years, I never accomplished my athletic ability to match those who have competed on a world-class level. As I improved and developed products to help others enhance their abilities, my passion and Ideas were shared with those who had. From some of my products, such as World Records to Olympic Medals, to designing and working with companies to provide Olympic products during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for 15 sports. 

I also agree with the most recent views and opinions of the World Class Pole Vaulter, Sam Kendricks, about how athletes were treated in the previous Olympic Games and how this sport has let him and other athletes down. Over the past decade, the Olympics has become a more aggressive money-making and political event. Where the athletes are the entertainers of blood, sweat, and tears at their own expense and cost. The Olympic Committee does profit greatly, and the athletes themselves only see a payoff of $50,000 for an Olympic Gold Medal, which was just established this past year by the World Athletics and Sabastian Cole. It is a much progressive move in the right direction. However, this payoff may not cover the expense of getting to the podium for many. They are left relying on sponsorships and endorsements to support their dreams and their careers on the path as an Olympic Hopeful.

When you see tickets selling from over $800 to $1200, advertising rights are moving close to the billions of dollars. Other countries award their athletes hundreds of thousands of dollars for gold, silver, and bronze, plus support to get there. One might think there is a place in the middle to support athletes on the Yellow Brick Road to the Games.   

Over the years, I have done my best out of my pocket to help Pole Vaulters and Throwers with equipment to walk that path.   As I move towards full retirement, maybe at 80 in the next seven years. For future athletes, I have established a Track & Field Foundation.org. I will look for others to step up and help us with the movement or for the governing bodies to offer more to these Future Athletes.    

In conclusion, getting an Olympic rings tattoo for me is a way to celebrate my love for athletics and its impact on my life. It is also a tribute to the athletes I have assisted in chasing their Olympic dreams. With the current state of athletics and the Olympics, it is important to continue supporting and advocating for future athletes who will carry on the legacy of this incredible sporting event. The Olympic rings tattoo reminds me of my passion for athletics and commitment to helping others achieve their goals. So, it's not just about getting an Olympic rings tattoo, but rather a way to honor the legacy of my career and support those who share the same love and dedication for sports.