The Paris 2024 Games officially commenced on July 27, 2024, with a spectacular opening ceremony held along the Seine River. Approximately 6,800 athletes from 205 different teams participated, boarding various boats to mark the beginning of the event.
Fans who have been following the Olympic Games over the years may have noticed something peculiar about many athletes. Large, dark red circular marks are frequently spotted on their bodies, prompting curiosity and speculation among viewers and fans alike.
These distinctive marks, often seen on the shoulders, back, and other muscle groups, have become common among athletes and some celebrities. But what is the story behind these unusual markings?
Wang Qun
While preparing for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Wang Qun was photographed by the swimming pool, her body glistening with water. She donned a sleek swimsuit, its back featuring a criss-cross pattern that revealed prominent, large red circular marks on her skin.
A swim cap securely covered her hair, and she sported swimming goggles. Her one hand rested confidently on her waist, ready for her next plunge into the water.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps was pictured celebrating winning the gold in the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Noticeable round red spots could be seen on either side of his broad shoulders.
In another picture, prominent red patches could be seen on Phelps’ abs, arms, and shoulders as he celebrated winning the Men’s 200m Butterfly at the same event.
Michael Phelps wins the Men’s 200m Butterfly and his 20th Olympic Gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Phelps wins the Men’s 200m Butterfly and his 20th Olympic Gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
This win also marked his 20th Olympic gold medal. The most decorated Olympian of all time flashed a grin at the cameras as he emerged from the water, the red rings standing out against his damp skin.
Michael Phelps wins gold in the Men’s 200m Butterfly Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Phelps wins gold in the Men’s 200m Butterfly Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
The distinctive red circles were also visible as Phelps prepared to compete in a Men’s 100m Butterfly heat during the swimming event. He stood tall, confident, and ready, clasping his hands.
Michael Phelps prepares to compete in a Men’s 100m Butterfly heat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Phelps prepares to compete in a Men’s 100m Butterfly heat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
A unique overhead shot revealed the striking large red circular marks extended across Michael Phelps’ back. The picture was taken as he prepared to compete in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Semifinal.
Michael Phelps prepares to compete in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Semifinal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 10, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Phelps prepares to compete in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Semifinal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 10, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Another endearing picture showed the prominent red patches on Phelps’ back muscles. He and Conor Dwyer were celebrating winning gold in the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final.
An elaborate photo of Phelps’ posterior torso might lead one to mistake the conspicuous red blotches for bruises on his skin. One such shot was taken as he competed in a men’s 200m butterfly heat.
Michael Phelps competes in a men’s 200m butterfly heat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, on 8 August 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Phelps competes in a men’s 200m butterfly heat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, on 8 August 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Another picture was taken as he and Conor Dwyer, Townley Hass, and Ryan Lochte embraced after winning the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final.
Conor Dwyer, Townley Hass, Ryan Lochte, and Michael Phelps embrace after winning the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Conor Dwyer, Townley Hass, Ryan Lochte, and Michael Phelps embrace after winning the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
The striking red discs stood out on Phelps’ muscular body in one more photograph. He was photographed with a determined look on his face as he cheered on his teammate during the final leg of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.
Alexander Naddour
Another athlete, American gymnast Alexander Naddour also had a prominent, large red circular mark at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The mark stood out on his right arm as he prepared to compete on the pommel horse during the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Team qualification.
Ruta Meilutyte
A swimmer, Ruta Meilutyte, also had a visible red circle on her right arm as she competed in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Semifinal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Meilutyte’s mark was seen again during a vulnerable moment as she appeared dejected after the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final.
Other Swimmers
The visible dark red circles on other swimmers’ backs were strikingly uniform at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A male swimmer, for instance, had four symmetrical circles on each side of his rear torso, creating a visually cohesive pattern.
Another swimmer had over 14 striking red discs across her back muscles. The discs were arranged in a linear and well-organized pattern, extending from her back to her arms and shoulders.
