Michael Phelps and Conor Dwyer win gold in the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
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
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
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.
Michael Phelps cheers teammate Nathan Adrian as he swims the last leg of the 4X100-meter freestyle relay at the Rio Games, on August 7, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Alexander Naddouat during the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Team qualification at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 6, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Ruta Meilutyte competes in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Semifinal during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Meilutyte’s mark was seen again during a vulnerable moment as she appeared dejected after the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final.
Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania looks dejected after the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 8, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Marks are seen on the back of a swimmer during aquatics training ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on July 22, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Marks are pictured on the back of a swimmer ahead of a swimming event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on August 1, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Nicolo Martinenghi
Just like in past Olympic Games, Italian swimmer and gold medalist Nicolo Martinenghi followed the trend of athletes with dark red circles on their backs at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy holds his gold medal after the Men’s 100m Breaststroke Final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
During the final session of the swimming event on August 1, Martinenghi stood with his right hand behind his head, as if scratching it. The dark circles on his back were visible, with blue kinesiology tape just below them.
Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy displays dark circles on his back during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre on August 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
