This Olympic golfer and her father made a wild bet. Against all odds, she won it

From Childhood Dreams to Olympic Reality: The Inspiring Journey of Madelene Stavnar and Her Father’s Tattoo Bet

A Unique Instagram Feed

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — As the Olympic Games roll into France, the social media feeds of the 10,000 athletes are abuzz with similar content: selfies with the iconic rings, photos with fellow Olympians, and geo-tagged updates from various events. But amidst this sea of uniformity, there’s one Instagram profile that stands out distinctly. The account in question belongs to Madelene Stavnar, a 23-year-old Ladies European Tour golfer from Norway. Her feed diverges from the norm by featuring something quite unusual: her father’s tattooed forearm.

A Bet with a Personal Twist

Madelene Stavnar’s Instagram showcases more than just golf highlights; it’s a glimpse into a unique family tradition. She and her father, Thor Stavnar, share a playful relationship where golf outcomes are linked to friendly wagers. For example, if Madelene scores five or more birdies in a round, Thor will treat her to a special gift. Conversely, a double bogey means she owes him a coffee. This tradition played out vividly at the Ladies Italian Open this year. After a challenging start with a four-over 76, Thor offered an enticing deal: make six birdies or more, and he would buy her a dress. The stakes were heightened as eagles were counted double.

Madelene, fueled by the challenge, rallied on the final six holes with two eagles and a birdie, ensuring she made the cut and earned her reward. Instead of the promised dress, she ended up with a pair of hiking shorts, but the thrill of the bet was undeniable.

A High-Stakes Contract

The real twist in their story, however, dates back six years. At just 17, Madelene was brimming with ambition and crafted a formal agreement titled “Kontrakt for tatovering til OL,” which translates to “Contract for a tattoo for the Olympics.” The document outlined a significant wager: Thor Stavnar would tattoo the Olympic rings on his body once Madelene represented Norway in the Games. The agreement, meticulously notarized by Thor himself, became a daily reminder for Madelene, hanging prominently above her bedroom door.

“I’ve seen it every day since we signed it,” Madelene reflects. “It’s always been in the back of my mind. When we knew we were close this year, he was like, ‘F—king hell. This is too close.’”

A Challenging Path to the Olympics

Qualifying for the Olympics is no small feat. Golfers need to be among the top-two ranked players from their country, or be ranked within the top 320 globally to secure a spot. When the contract was signed, Madelene was ranked outside the top 600 and struggling. She had turned professional at 16, following a promising ninth-place finish at the Ladies European Tour Q-School. Juggling high school and a professional golf career proved daunting, leading to a tough start with missed cuts and a drop in rankings.

In 2018, despite a hopeful beginning, Madelene’s performance faltered. By 2021, after a series of setbacks, including limited opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her career seemed to stall with only one top-25 finish. However, she remained resilient.

A Turnaround Through Growth and Support

Madelene attributes her turnaround to personal growth and improved mental resilience. “It was probably mostly mental,” she says. “Of course, my technique and skills are better now. They’re more stable. But I could have played good golf back then too. I just think I’ve grown up a little bit. I learned to trust myself and my team. I’m getting a lot of help from my team. I’m probably more open in my communication.”

Her caddie Jamie Tipper acknowledges the change. The support and encouragement from her team, coupled with Madelene’s evolving self-trust, played a crucial role in her success.

The Big Moment

As the Olympics approached, the pressure of the contract became palpable. The once whimsical promise of a tattoo now loomed large with Madelene on the cusp of achieving her Olympic dream. The prospect of Thor’s tattoo becoming a reality was not just a personal milestone but a symbol of their shared journey and dedication.

Madelene’s story, marked by determination, familial bonds, and a touch of humor, resonates as a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of supportive relationships. As she steps onto the Olympic stage, the journey of the Stavnar family, encapsulated in that tattoo contract, stands as a reminder of how far they’ve come and the incredible future that lies ahead.