Aussie Olympic gold medalist Brianna Throssell reveals why she had to get her Games tattoo removed – while sending a blunt warning to others

Australian swimmer Brianna Throssell has revealed why she’s getting her Olympic tattoo removed – as the gold medalist issued a warning to others considering getting some new ink.

Throssell, 28, opted for the iconic five Olympic rings on her wrist after her first Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, but the design has since faded so much that she hates looking at it.

On TikTok, the gold medal winner in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay from Paris explained the detailed process she goes through to her more than 31,000 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 bled and the yellow ring faded.

“Nowadays I cover it up, it’s horrible… I never see it, it’s so ugly.”

Throssell then outlined the tattoo removal process.

The Queensland athlete was given some numbing cream and after a 30-minute wait, the laser session began.

Australian gold medalist Brianna Throssell (pictured) has revealed why her Olympic tattoo is being removed

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

Throssell opted for the iconic five Olympic rings on her wrist after her first Games in 2016 – but the design has faded so much she hates looking at it

The relay specialist is not expected to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (pictured, after her boyfriend Josh Milner proposed in September)

“It hurt, but it was bearable,” Throssell said.

“They told me I need a total of eight sessions… and then I’ll do it again… the right way.”

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

Throssell was born in Western Australia and grew up idolizing 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 victory in Paris 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 body and mind will be there in 2028 (Los Angeles),” she said recently when questioned about her future in the pool.

“The 2026 Commonwealth Games are a really exciting opportunity…that will continue to be great.”