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Olympic gymnast Casimir Schmidt talks gaming tattoos, favorite Pokémon

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Olympic gymnast Casimir Schmidt talks gaming tattoos, favorite Pokémon

As a fellow gamer and sports enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Casimir Schmidt’s unique blend of athletic prowess and gaming passion. His story is a testament to the universal language of fun that connects us all, regardless of our chosen fields.

You can’t see Dutch gymnast Casimir Schmidt’s tattoos when he’s spinning furiously on the Pommel horse or flying through his tumbling passes in floor events. It’s only when he stops flipping that you may notice two specific tattoos on his arm: Mythic Pokémon Mew and Mushroom Kingdom (and TikTok) icon Toad.

During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, held in Paris, the world took notice of Schmidt’s tattoos as he competed both individually and as part of the Dutch national team. Contrary to what might initially come to mind, the Mew tattoo isn’t Schmidt’s ultimate favorite Pokémon; instead, it’s Charmeleon that holds that spot. This Pokémon evolves from Charmander before transforming into Charizard. Although Schmidt doesn’t have a Charmeleon tattoo yet, he intends to add it to his collection soon.

This gymnast has a tattoo of Toad on his arm and therefore I want him to win all the medals

— GC (@gymcarlo_) July 27, 2024

From Paris, Schmidt discussed with TopMob about his tattoos, preferred Pokémon, and gaming possibilities in the Olympics.

[Ed. note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

TopMob: How have the Olympics been? Are you still in Paris?

Casimir Schmidt: Indeed, I’m currently in Paris. At the moment, I’m training as one of my teammates has a final match. I’m supporting him, and it’s been an enjoyable experience. Naturally, there were aspects we wished had gone smoother, but overall, it’s been successful. I’m feeling quite content.

Apart from Toad and Mew, do you have any other video game-themed tattoos on your body?

To clarify, I’m not currently doing anything, as I’m just checking my arm at the moment. There are certain things that I don’t know, but let me emphasize again, I’m not engaging in those activities right now. My lack of extensive gaming might be the reason for this, although I should mention that I was quite fond of Nintendo games when I was younger, especially Mario Kart and Pokémon. That could be why.

I too sport numerous tattoos and can empathize. Isn’t it amusing how quickly we tend to forget what we possess? Allow me to pose a question that I dislike having posed, but find necessary: Are there any particular reasons or symbolic meanings behind the Mew and Toad tattoos you have inked on your skin?

Indeed, Charmeleon is my most cherished Pokémon. Mew is simply among my favorites, but Charmeleon takes the top spot. One day, Charmeleon will be mine. The exact timing is uncertain, but I’m confident it will happen. Toad, on the other hand, is my go-to racer in Mario Kart. That sums up my situation.

However, the story unfolds, it all began as I underwent tattooing, and my mother was planning to join in. She went first, leaving us to wait. In that waiting period, a new artist emerged who later became my friend. He seemed restless, almost bored, and I casually asked if he’d like some practice on me. Seeing a Mew design he had drawn, I enthusiastically agreed, “Let’s do it!”

About a year after our initial encounter, I found myself with another acquaintance, a former Olympian specializing in short track speedskating during the Winter Games. We were simply catching up, as he too had recently taken up tattooing. Incidentally, he inked his first design on me. It was a bit uneven, but it added to the amusement. It’s a memorable experience indeed. However, a year later, he significantly improved his skills and now works at a tattoo parlor. He invited me back, saying, “Would you like a Toad?” I replied with a nod, and that’s how I ended up getting ‘Toad.’

It wasn’t really planned or anything. Mew and Toad are two of the most fun ones for me.

You mentioned you’re not the biggest gamer, but do you still play video games?

Currently, Fortnite remains one of the games I enjoy playing. In my youth, I was deeply engrossed in FIFA and Pokémon, as well as Mario Kart and various Nintendo titles on the Wii, such as Wii Sports. I wouldn’t exactly categorize myself as a hardcore gamer, like someone who plays Call of Duty. However, around six years ago, one of my friends introduced me to a new game, Fortnite. Despite not being particularly skilled, I continue to play it. I don’t spend much time online unless my friends are also playing, so we can chat while enjoying the game together.

As a dedicated gamer, I rarely have much spare time on my hands and when I do, I prefer not to spend it socializing outside the house daily. However, gaming offers a unique way to stay connected with friends, bridging the gap between distance and schedules.

It’s simply delightful. Laughter ensues whether it’s joy or jest, even when it comes to playful teasing of one’s friends. A moment of anger can also lead to fits of laughter. In essence, it’s an enjoyable experience.

Are you playing the new season?

As a car enthusiast, that race was tough, but the “Unfolded” event was a breath of fresh air – the one featuring the mini map with Tilted and all its attractions. That was quite enjoyable. However, my journey to the Olympics took me away, leaving me eagerly anticipating what new experiences await me upon my return.

So no gaming at the Olympics for you?

In our home, we own a PlayStation, and we primarily use it to play FIFA. As for the village’s communal space, I’m unsure if they have a PlayStation there for everyone to use, but we do have one in our Dutch residence. We actually possess two PlayStations.

Are they popular with other Olympians?

Absolutely! Initially, they were heavily into it, but now, as people have shifted their focus to other sports on television, it’s not as intense as before. However, playing FIFA is still a joyful pastime for them.

What’s your favorite game?

I think I’d say Mario Kart. I do like Pokémon, but it’s more the cards and the creatures. But with Mario Kart, everybody can play it. When you’re competitive? When you’re drunk? When you’re at a party? You can always play. Everybody has fun. You can play with kids. You can play with older people. It’s a nice game.

Did you get into Pokémon cards again during the boom in the pandemic?

A while ago, they resurfaced, and yes, that’s when I had a collection of Pokémon cards from my childhood, but alas, I couldn’t find them. I believe I either discarded them or passed them on to someone else. That was somewhat disheartening. However, yes, I did rekindle my interest. I watched some unboxing videos on TikTok. I even made a few purchases, just like the good old days.

Is there anything else you want folks to know about you?

I’ve expressed this idea before, but let me reiterate: Gaming isn’t solely for the gaming community. While some might perceive it as merely a game, it’s also an avenue to interact and connect with others.

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2024-08-01 23:23

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