Who says contemporary athletes cannot be good friends? For anyone who might have thought, Paris Olympics-bound swimmers Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh might clear this misconception. Beyond a shared love for the waters, these USA aqua women have too much in common. For starters, they are both University of Virginia (UVA) stars, 22 years old, and Tokyo Olympic debutants.

But, as the former Cavaliers now head to Paris, we care to highlight another one of their striking similarities. And that is, both Douglass and Walsh have the same indelible design inked on their bodies. Yes, the two are not just competitors in the water and tight friends outside, but also ‘tattoo twins.’ But what could have possibly resonated with both these athletes so strongly? Well, its almost an open secret, isn’t it?

Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh got matching tattoos together

Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh both made their Olympic debut three years back in the Japanese capital. 19-years-old back then, the two swimmers competed in the same finale event, 200m individual medley. And after a thrilling contest, the two even clinched podium sports together. While Walsh bagged the silver with a narrow lead, Douglass managed to take home the bronze medal.

When it comes to their version of celebration, the UVA swimmers ended up getting matching Olympic ring tattoos, remembering their time at the Tokyo Games. But what made this victory so special for them to have forever etched its memory down? Firstly, it was their first Olympic win. Also, the fact they had won it together seemed to have possibly made it special. Moreover, it was after 37 years that 2 American swimmers had one a medal each in this particular event category. Additionally, the laurels that they collective won for the college should be kept in mind.

Thereafter, it seemed that the duo was on fire. The whole 2021-2022 NCAA season was laden with spectacular wins for them. Both of them partook in six meets in totality, out of which, Walsh stood in the top three in 18 categories, while Douglass did so in 20 events. Subsequently, the two fames even steered Virginia to its second back-to-back national championship.

While the Olympic rings bear a deeper and special significance for them, the tradition of a ‘celebratory tattoo’ like this one that Douglass and Walsh got made, seems to be common. Let’s rewind back to a similar incident, when Walsh’s was welcomed with a similar spunk.

Walsh’s loved ones got ‘Go Alex’ tattoo

Before treading the UVA way, Alex Walsh was a 2020 graduate from the Harpeth Hall. Thus, as she swam at the Tokyo Olympics, the crowds of Harpeth Hall unified to cheer for her. Alex’s former swimming coach from the institute also took pride, as she said, “It’s just fun to think that when these fifth graders and the younger girls, you know that’s kind of the age where you dream of going to the Olympics.” 

But the ultimate boost arrived from the younger students at the all-girls school, who turned Walsh’s D-day in Tokyo into a feast back home. They gathered together, arranging games, flavorful popsicles, and even had “Go Alex” tattoos painted on their fists, along with the colored Olympic rings. As they recorded video messages and sent them to Alex, their excitement was evident. In fact, the entire arena echoed with cheers like, “We love you Alex!,” “Go kill it!,” all of which was being documented in videos bytes.

The ‘Olympics party’ at Harpeth Hall also featured parents, alumni, and others donning the colors of the USA flag, white, red, and blue. For the Polly Linden, the swimming coach and many others there at campus, it was like a collective dream come true moment. She said, “I dream about going to the Olympics one day,’ and I think to so many of us it’s just that a dream.” And as Walsh won it at the big stage, many hearts back at home pounded with joy!