Inika McPherson always stands out at track meets. Her intensity around the high jump pit is palpable, and her elaborate collection of tattoos catches the eye. The Olympic finalist has over 30 tattoos on her body, and each one bears significant meaning. One of her favorite designs, a Betty Boop tattoo, tells the heartfelt story of an early memory with her mother. On the surface, it's a cartoon, but in actuality, it's a representation of her mother's influence.



McPherson got the Betty Boop design in 2008 while attending UC Berkeley. When she was a child growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, her mother, Symanthia, worked as a nurse. Always wanting to be by her mom's side, McPherson asked to come with her while she took care of the elderly. As her mom took care of the patients, McPherson would sit in front of the television and watch Betty Boop. She even recalled her mom making raisin bread toast while she watched the cartoon. McPherson identified with the "independent" character and relished in the opportunity to spend time with her mother.

"My mom has always come through for me even though she claims that I raised myself," McPherson said. "She was a great example of how to persevere, treat people, and love unconditionally."

McPherson went on to make five world championship teams in the high jump and most recently qualified to represent the United States at the IAAF World Championships in London. But the tattoos serve as a reminder of where she came from.


"I fell in love with the independent Betty Boop and how she carried herself," McPherson said. "[But] most of all, I fell in love with the moments and memories I'll always have and hold on to with my mom."

Learn more about McPherson's inspiring story in the first episode of the two-part documentary series "Inika McPherson: It's Not Over." Watch episode one on FloTrack Wednesday, July 19.