Simone Biles’ custom pins have become one of the ‘treasures’ of the Paris Olympics, with athletes ‘begging’ to swap places with the gymnastics icon.
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, brought back to Paris a bundle of gold pins. These pins are in the shape of a heart and are engraved with the American’s name.
It has long been a tradition among athletes to exchange trinkets and souvenirs, a practice that dates back to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
This summer, Biles’ pins are said to be among the most sought-after. New Zealand rugby sevens player Tysha Ikenasio got his hands on one, but only after she “begged” the gymnast to trade it.
“I had to walk up to her and beg her to get one of our New Zealand pins, and then she said she would give me a personalized pin,” Ikenasio, 26, explains.
Simone Biles’ custom pins have become one of the ‘treasures’ of this summer’s Olympic Games
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, brought a bundle of gold pins to the Paris Games
“Okay but is a PERSONALIZED Simone Biles Olympic pin the best of the pins?! Lucky Tysha Ikenasio!” Team New Zealand wrote on social media.
German gymnast Pauline Schafer posted a photo of the pin she received from Biles, writing, “This one is special. Thank you Simone.”
Scott Bregman, a social media producer for the Olympic Channel, told Olympics.com: ‘I knew I had one.
He added: “A custom pin like Biles is wearing at these Games is a first.
Scott Bregman, a social media producer for the Olympic Channel, said: ‘I had one just to have one’
“It has also quickly become one of the most sought-after treasures here – at least until gold medals are awarded.”
NBA star Stephen Curry was spotted exchanging badges on Team USA’s boat during the opening ceremony on Friday, while Team GB’s male tennis players battled it out to win the most badges for their country.
Serena Williams called herself a “first-class pin collector.” The tennis legend began her collection in Sydney in 2000.
Williams bought a North Korean pin at Rio 2016 and later said: “I would never, ever, ever trade that.”
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