Olympic Ink II: Canadian athletes uncovered

The tattoo for many Olympians isn’t just a piece of art. The tattoo can represent an indelible etching on an athletes’ soul, born from their unique story, manifested on the body.

Or…we’re over-thinking it and it’s just some killer ink. You decide! Here’s Olympic Ink II:

SEE ALSO: Olympic Ink: The tattoos of Canadian athletes

Martin Reader

This 2012 Olympian, (Beach Volleyball), has the rings prominently over his ribs, hard to tell if this guy works out.

Alexandra Orlando

Alexandra Orlando went through a lot on her road to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games:

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“I have Citius Altius Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) the Olympic motto on my left wrist written in Mandarin. There were many moments throughout my career when life was telling me to give up on the Olympics for good. Any rational, realistic person would have listened to the logical reasons why fighting for this wasn’t a good idea – but I needed to prove to myself I could do it. I was stronger – I could push myself further, I could do something great for my country. My dad got the exact same tattoo done, I get my perseverance and work ethic from him.” – Alexandra Orlando

Tracy Little

Two-time Olympian Tracy Little is familiar with the water, after all, she was part of the Canadian synchronized swimming team that was 4th in London.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ygbp5SMcIl

Mark McMorris

Canada’s best shot at a snowboard slopestyle medal in Sochi has a few tats, one of which reminds him to live for today.

He explains one of the tattoos here:

Justyn Warner

World Championships medallist and one of Canada’s fastest men. Justyn is inspired by a wicked sleeve, including a mountainscape and mean looking owl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/RVavNRE8eS

Gillian Carleton

This Olympic bronze medallist cyclist definitely isn’t shy to express herself beyond the track. She has a bunch of tattoos including a few recognizing what she’s best known for in sport.

Josh Binstock

This wouldn’t be complete without a classic. Martin Reader’s Beach Volleyball partner in London combines the maple leaf and the Olympic rings prominently on his back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/W-UZlHGIOq