- Due to the rule imposed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
- The IPC works separately from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- The Paris Paralympic Games will be held from August 29 to September 8
With the Paris Paralympics kicking off on August 29, Australia’s athletes are fine-tuning their preparations, but don’t expect to see any stars sporting a tattoo of Olympic rings, as doing so will disqualify them.
The strange rule is enforced by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which operates as a completely separate organization from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
British swimmer Josef Craig learned about the rules the hard way in the run-up to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Competing at the International Paralympic Committee European Swimming Championships in Portugal, Craig was disqualified despite winning his heat of the 100m freestyle S8 final.
When he was 19, Craig entered the pool with his Olympic rings tattoo clearly visible beneath the Team GB lion’s head on the left side of his chest.
At the time, the IPC explained why they disqualified Craig.
“Body advertising is not permitted in any form and that includes the Olympic rings… the athlete was not wearing any protection and was therefore disqualified,” an IPC spokesman said in a statement.
British swimmer Josef Craig was disqualified from the 100m freestyle S8 final at the European Championships after failing to cover his Olympic rings tattoo (pictured) while competing.
Josef Craig put controversy aside to go on to win a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympics
The International Olympic Committee is allowing athletes such as Australian star Kyle Chalmers to compete while displaying his Olympic tattoo (pictured)
‘All teams are informed of the advertising policy at a technical meeting prior to the competition, so it’s not as if they haven’t been reminded of the rules.’
Craig, his body covered in ink, won a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle S8 final in Rio.
Despite the controversy, it is understood that the IPC rule on not displaying tattoos, including Olympic rings, will be enforced in Paris.
By contrast, Australian freestyle king Kyle Chalmers was able to jump off the blocks with his Olympic rings tattoo clearly visible earlier this month, as the IOC has its own rules in place when it comes to athletes.
Displaying tattoos, including those of the Olympic rings, is permitted unless they promote a product.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Paralympics Australia for comment on the matter.