Yes, Paralympians did risk disqualification for showing Olympic rings tattoos, but the rules recently changed

The 2024 Paralympic Games are set to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 28 as some 4,400 athletes with disabilities, permanent injuries or impairments prepare to compete for 549 medals across 22 sports over 11 days in Paris.

During the 2024 Olympic Games, many of the athletes proudly displayed their Olympic rings tattoos on various parts of their bodies.

But some viral headlines and social posts claim Paralympians risk disqualification in the Paralympic Games if they’re seen sporting Olympic rings tattoos.

THE QUESTION

Do Paralympians risk disqualification for showing Olympic rings tattoos?

THE SOURCES

• International Paralympic Committee
• World Para Swimming
• International Olympic Committee

THE ANSWER

Yes, Paralympians did risk disqualification for showing Olympic rings tattoos, but the rules recently changed.

WHAT WE FOUND

Paralympic athletes once risked disqualification for showing Olympic rings tattoos during competition, but the rules recently changed for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, according to the International Paralympic Committee.

“Historically at previous Paralympic Games, there was an IPC rule that athletes with Olympic rings tattoos needed to cover them ahead of competition. The IPC is not implementing this rule for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and athletes with such tattoos do not need to cover them,” an International Paralympic Committee spokesperson told VERIFY.

The Olympics and the Paralympics are run by separate organizations: the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.

The International Paralympic Committee restricts “body advertisements,” such as brand names, trademarks, logos or any other distinctive sign of a manufacturer, organization or corporation from being displayed during competition.

The rule required Paralympians, like American swimmer Rudy Garcia-Tolson, to cover up their Olympic rings tattoos while competing or face disqualification. However, athletes are allowed to display tattoos of the Paralympic logo, the Agitos symbol, or an official “World Para” logo for their sport, according to the guidelines.

Now, due to the rule change, Garcia-Tolson won’t have to cover up his tattoo at this year’s Paralympic Games. But other tattoos that are considered advertisements remain subject to the rule.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.