Michael Phelps' mean mug prior to Monday's 200-meter butterfly captivated the sports world. Never had an Olympian looked so focused, so in the zone, so ... pissed off. Some are calling it Phelps' Darth Vader Face.
Phelps' stank face has now been immortalized on one man's leg. Toronto tattoo artist Livia Tsang inked her boss at Chronic Ink, Ricky, with the unforgettable image.
And then my boss let me tattoo @MichaelPhelps on him.... #Rio2016 #Olympics #PhelpsFace pic.twitter.com/4q3k6SsFEE
It was a spontaneous decision, Tsang told BuzzFeed. Ricky was apparently already planning on getting some athlete portraits on his leg. He admires Phelps' perseverance and, well, the moment was right.
“Those are elements that he really respects about him,” Tsang said. “We’re planning on doing more portraits of star athletes on his leg and we figured Phelps would be a good one to add.”
#PhelpsFace is now - and forever. Credit to Livia at @ChronicInk in Toronto for her artistry! #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/5YLRLM536T
"We knew what we were getting into when we did the tattoo and when we put it online," she said.
Phelps will swim his final race in the Rio Olympics in the 4x100 medley relay Saturday. Many assumed it would be Phelps' final Olympic race ever, but as Ryan Lochte has said, we might see Phelps compete at 35 years old in 2020.
Which is to say: there could be more iconic Michael Phelps moments, and more iconic Michael Phelps tattoos, on their way.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.
