U.S. Olympic Runner Nick Symmonds Auctioning Off Twitter Tattoo On Shoulder During 2012 London Games

by Dan Duquette Jr. on Fri, Jan 6, 2012 at 1:53PM

Olympic track athlete Nick Symmonds is offering one lucky bidder a chance to buy ad space for their Twitter handle during the 2012 London Olympic Games. The interesting part? It would come in the form of a tattoo on his shoulder.

Symmonds, the No. 1-ranked American runner in the 800 meters, is auctioning off a temporary tattoo on his left shoulder of the winning bidder's Twitter name.

He is promising to display the ad during his entire racing season, which includes stops in Australia and Monaco before heading to London for the Olympics.

There are some catches, however. Restrictions by track's governing body, the IAAF, would force Symmonds to cover up his tattoo during certain races. However, he pledges to show off the tat and mention the sponsor by name in all postrace interviews.

Similarly, Symmonds is reserving the right to refuse a corporate winner if he disagrees with the quality of their products or it conflicts with his existing sponsors.

Bidding began at $14.95 (the cost of the temporary tattoo) but at last glance, the bidding was nearing $2,000.

Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Nick Symmonds