What Olympics star Adam Peaty’s tattoos mean, from four-letter knuckle inkings to tribute to Gordon Ramsay’s daughter

OLYMPIC champion Adam Peaty is one of Team GB’s big hopes heading into Paris 2024.

The Games get underway on Friday as the opening ceremony takes place in the French capital.

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Swimmer Peaty, 29, is seeking a fourth gold medal and a third successive 100 metre breaststroke triumph having dominated at Rio and Tokyo.

The 100m world record holder faces stiff competition from China’s Haiyang Qin.

And he heads into the Games as the slight underdog against the man who holds the 200m breaststroke world record.

Peaty has now been one of Great Britain‘s biggest name Olympic athletes for nearly a decade.

But along with his constant success has come a drastic change in appearance.

Peaty did not have any tattoos on his body when he won a gold and silver at Rio 2016.

Since then, he has added heaps of ink, with many of the tattoos representing a meaningful message or moment for the Olympic champion.

Here is a detailed look at Peaty’s tattoos ahead of the Paris Games.

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‘Equilibrium’

On Peaty’s left arm reads the word “equilibrium” which is a nod to the Olympian’s strong belief in maintaining balance across all areas of his life.

He believes this is key in ensuring he can keep up a high level of performance.

Lion and Rio 2016

Next to the “equilibrium” tattoo is the huge image of a lion and the Roman numerals XXVI on his left arm.

Peaty had this inked as the symbol of his Rio 2016 triumph – where he set the world record in the 100m breaststroke with a time of 57.13 seconds.

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Peaty has a huge tattoo of a lion on his left bicep[/caption]

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Poseidon

Peaty’s relationship with the water is depicted on his left forearm by Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

The words “Courage, Integrity, and Belief” accompany the image – three components he feels have been crucial to him achieving success.

Athena and Achilles

Athena and Achilles, figures of Ancient Greek mythology, can also be seen on Peaty’s arm.

Athena represents wisdom, bravery, and strategic prowess in warfare, while Achilles signifies qualities such as strength, courage, and fearless determination.

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‘Conquer your demons’

The phrase “conquer your demons” can be seen as part of one of Peaty’s two sleeve tattoos – with a sword running across it.

This has been particularly pertinent in recent years after he took time away from competing to deal with mental health issues.

Warrior spirit

The outside of his right arm is the image of a warrior with a shield and Latin script.

This resembles a Spartan warrior but is understood to be a Gladiator.

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Peaty has a warrior on his right arm[/caption]

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Most of the arm is covered in ink[/caption]

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In 2016 Peaty had no tattoos[/caption]

‘Into the light’

The tattoo over Peaty’s abs is a cross and the words “Into the Light”.

This is symbolic as it represents his journey from dark times to achieving success once more.

Challenges both in and out of the pool sparked a spiritual awakening in the GB star.

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Peaty has the words ‘Into the Light’ written across his abs[/caption]

‘H’ for Holly

The “H” on Peaty’s chest is for girlfriend Holly Ramsay – daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay.

The pair have been dating since the summer of 2023 after Peaty split up with Eirianedd Munro, the mother of his son, in August 2022.

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Rex

‘Fuel’ and ‘Ride’

On his right hand Peaty has the word “Fuel”, while the left has “Ride” inked on it.

These serve as a reminder of his defeat at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he finished fourth in the 100m breaststroke.

He uses them as motivating tactics to ensure he returns to the top of the sport and claims more victories.