Team GB swimmer Matt Richards’ tattoos explained from lion to co-ordinates… and what’s next to mark Paris Olympics 2024

4 months ago 52

MATT RICHARDS’ tattooed right arm tells the story of his life — and he wants to keep on writing new chapters.

The Team GB swim star — who won gold as part of the men’s 4×200 metres relay team in Tokyo three years ago — has inked his background on to his arm, using it as an inspiration for his Olympic dream.

Matt Richards has a collection of tattoos down his right arm[/caption]

The inkings detail his journey to the Olympics[/caption]

Richards, 21, explained: “Most of the ones all over my arm are family related.

“The big lion on the top of my shoulder is to represent my dad, Simon.

“His favourite animal is a lion, so that one there is for him. It’s got a big scar across its eye — because my dad’s a big ugly unit of a bloke. He’s a big softie, really!

“And then on the inside of my arm, just the other side of that, I have got a tiger, which is my mum Amanda’s favourite animal.

“So it’s a little bit less of a big ugly brute than the one on the outside.

“Family to me is the most important thing in the world.

“Everything I’ve done in the pool and everything I get to do in the pool is amazing.

“But if you told me I had to choose between swimming and my family, it wouldn’t even be a contest.

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“I wouldn’t have to think about it. So it’s a big part of who I am.”

The Worcester-born freestyle specialist added: “Down on the bottom of my hand, I’ve got the Olympic rings tattoo.

What's happening today at The Games?

WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...

THE PARIS 2024 Olympics started with a stunning Opening Ceremony – and now the Games really do begin.

SunSport brings you all the action taking place in the French capital on a thrilling first full day.

Josh Tarling and Anna Henderson are both in road cycling time trial action along the streets of Paris (from 1.30pm), leading today’s Brit medal hopes.

Michael Bargeron and Seonaid McIntosh team up in the 10m mixed shooting trying to win the first gold of the 2024 Games (10am).

In diving, 3m synchro pair Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen could medal (10am).

And Team GB expect a medal from their swimmers in both of the 4x100m freestyle relays (8.30pm).

While three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty begins his quest for 100m breaststroke glory (heat 10.30am, semi-final 8.15pm).

And Max Whitlock is eyeing a pommel horse medal for a fourth Games in a row as gymnastics qualifying gets underway (10am).

Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.

Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.

“Every single stroke, every time I put my hands down to start on the blocks, it always reminds me of what I’m working towards and something that’s been a childhood dream of mine.

“I got that one there after Tokyo, along with the coordinates of the pool in Tokyo, just on the inside of my pinkie finger.

“Then after the Games, I’ll have the coordinates of the pool in Paris on one of the other fingers.

“Who knows how many fingers I’ll need by the time I retire?

“That’s the route we’ll go down. It’s just the one arm for now.

“I’ll probably end up getting more but, for now, it’s just that one arm.”

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