Creating Lightning In The Ocean
Bruckner Chase, also known as Uila O Le Sami in Samoa, has a Samoan-themed shoulder-sleeve tattoo that was created by Tufuga Wilson Fitiau in America Samoa.The tatau was created in the traditional way and makes Chase feel warm inside no matter what temperature of the water he swims in.
“With the designs no matter where I swim, I feel like I am in Samoan waters.”
Uila O Le Sami can be translated into English as “Lightning in the Ocean.” Chase’s tatau on his right arm is similar to a Samoan coat of arms with the lighting bolt cutting through the waves.
The video below shows how it was created.
Toa Ink – Samoan Tatau from Bruckner Chase on Vimeo. Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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