Although the Olympics are the golden stage for athletics, sports isn’t the only area in which athletes are making significant headway. Given that nail art has blossomed into a keystone pop culture element, extensions and acrylics have given way to the expression of national pride and individuality for the Olympians. Let’s look at the different athletes who could’ve made nail art its own medal-winning category:
1. Simone Biles
Gymnastics isn’t the only sport that Biles has excelled at. After securing three gold and one silver medal for the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics alone, the star of the balance beam continues to stun onlookers with her ‘pretty in pink’ manicure set, which features rhinestones to glamourise.
2. Jordan Chiles
This year’s Olympic agenda includes mixing sports with splendour. To sound the victory bells for her first Olympic gold medal, Jordan Chiles flaunted long, square-tipped nail extensions with blue-pink scales lined with gold paint on each hand.
3. Suni Lee
Rocking mid-length nails with square tops, Suni Lee opted for a dashing white base colour. On the one hand, five Olympic rings are illustrated across her nails, along with waves of blue and red on the other. Being a nail art enthusiast, she looks to nail designs as a portrayal of her identity as a gymnast.
4. Sha’Carri Richardson
The USA track star athlete is both studded and sprightly on the occasion of the Paris Olympics. Her long, textured, blue and white nails with metallic decals and colour-coded gems echo the patriotic boom of American glory.
5. Alexis Holmes
Track and field athletes are a hot mention on this list, and with good reason. In addition to stupefying viewers with her performance in the 400-metre races, Alexis Holmes has made a name for herself in the nail art community. Her US flag-themed nails play around with gradients, florals, and embellishments while ringing subtle tunes of nationalism.
6. Noah Lyles
Who said only women get to have all the fun? Noah Lyles, who beat Usain Bolt to assume the throne of the ‘fastest man in the world,’ also carved out a name for himself as a beauty-forward gold medalist. His set of nails with a playful and understated vibrancy speaks for itself.
7. Veronica Marchenko
The trend of coordinating nail colours with those of your respective flags continues. Ukrainian archer Veronica Marchenko hit the mark with her choice of pastel yellow and blue short-length manicure set.
8. Manika Batra
Manika Batra has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in table tennis. This Olympic season, she opted for a classic white set of nails commemorating the iconic Olympic set of rings and the Indian national flag.
9. Ewa Swoboda
Monochrome nails are evergreen, especially for Poland’s Ewa Swoboda. The track and field athlete’s set of long, rectangular-topped lavender nails are fit, fashionable and fierce.
