Aussie Olympic gold medallist Brianna Throssell reveals why she had to get her Games tattoo removed – as she sends a blunt warning to others

Aussie swim star Brianna Throssell has revealed why she is getting her Olympic tattoo removed – as the gold medallist issued a warning to others considering getting some fresh ink.

Throssell, 28, opted for the iconic five Olympic rings on her wrist following her maiden Games back in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro – but the design has since faded to the point that she hates looking at it.

Taking to TikTok, the 4x200m freestyle relay gold medal winner from Paris explained the detailed process she is enduring to her 31,000 plus followers.

‘I loved it [tattoo] at the time, I thought it was super, super cool,’ she said in the clip.

‘But over time, the black ink ran and the yellow ring faded.

‘These days I cover it up, it is godawful… I never see it, it is so ugly.’

Throssell then outlined to the tattoo removal process.

The Queensland-based athlete had some numbing cream applied, and after a 30-minute wait, the laser session began.

The champion swimmer (pictured second from left, after winning Olympic gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay from Paris) issued a blunt warning to others who are considering some fresh ink

Throssell opted for the iconic five Olympic rings on her wrist following her maiden Games back in 2016 – but the design has faded to the point that she hates looking at it

The relay specialist isn’t expected to compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (pictured, after her boyfriend Josh Milner proposed in September)

‘It did hurt, but it was bearable,’ Throssell said.

‘They told me I will need eight sessions in total… then I will get it re-done…properly.’

She also had a message for those considering a tattoo – do your research before getting it.

Throssell was born in Western Australia and grew up idolising fellow swimmer Stephanie Rice.

Best known as a relay specialist, Throssell is also a talented butterfly sprinter, winning a bronze medal in the 100m final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.  

She is coached by Dean Boxall – and her Paris triumph alongside Lani Pallister, Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus – is tipped to be her final Olympic campaign.

‘I still love the sport, and I’m so passionate about it, but I don’t think my mind and body will be there [Los Angeles] in 2028,’ she said recently when quizzed on her future in the pool.

‘The Commonwealth Games in 2026 is a really exciting opportunity…that will still be awesome.’