Tattoos reflect the spirit of perseverance and fight in Brazilian Bruno Fratus who won bronze at Tokyo 2020 in his third Olympic 50m freestyle final.
The Roman numerals MMXII just to the left of his heart mean 2012 and a podium missed by 0.02sec in London; below that, MMXVI, or a home Games at Rio 2016, where he finished sixth.
Five years later, Bruno was out-touched only by two Olympic champions, American Caeleb Dressel and France's Florent Manaudou.
After fourth in London, he changed his diet and in 2014, he moved to Auburn to train with Brett Hawke.
The same year he married 2008 Olympian Michelle Lenhart who became his daily coach in 2019.
Her last words before he walked to his blocks in Tokyo were: "Go out there and be happy.”
He did just that and emerged elated.
“It represents hard work, resilience, and perseverance, and that through these values you can achieve anything in life,” said Bruno.
Highest praise is reserved for two special people. “I’m thankful for Michelle being with me every part of the way and thankful for Brett [Hawke]. I am a very lucky person having my best friend and my wife coaching me.”
On his return home to Coral Springs after Tokyo, Bruno received the keys to the city.
Bruno said: “As an immigrant who chose to bring all my hopes, dreams, and hard work to this country, this moment right here, right now, is the real representation of the American dream.