Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner was just as well known for her nails as her lightning-fast speed on the track. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she set world records and drew new fans to the sport who showed up to see what she was wearing and what her manicure would look like.
Long after her untimely death in 1998, her iconic style still serves as inspiration for a whole new generation of athletes, artists and fashion designers who are carrying the torch.
Check out some of our favorite Flo-Jo-inspired nail art.
Olympic sprinter Sha’carri Richardson has made a name for herself as part of the next generation of American track and field talent and one of the athletes with the most iconic set of nails. Richardson credits Flo-Jo as the inspiration for both her success on the track and her fabulous manicures.
“If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails,” she told the Associated Press in a 2021 interview.
Known for her nails as well as her bars, Lil’ Kim is one of the best female rappers in history. With the help of nail artist Bernadette Thompson, her famous 1993 “money manicure” (made with actual bills) made history becoming the first set of nails on display in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.
Rapper Cardi B does not play when it comes to her nails. Whether she goes with a monochromatic look or a blinged out set, her tips stay tight. A mani to match your Hermés bag? Now that’s next level.
“Best Friend” rapper Saweetie’s bejeweled stiletto mani courtesy of celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson may be iced out, but we think they look like straight fire.
You won’t catch Team USA track and field star Noah Lyles out here with a hang nail. The gold medal sprinter is just as serious about his nails as he is about his sport. We love this patriotic mani he wore during the 2024 Olympic Games.
Besides looking great, Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles says her nails help her be the best at her sport.
“A lot of people always ask me how I do gymnastics with such long nails. To tell you the truth, they actually help me with my technique,” Chiles told the Associated Press. “That’s really how I make sure I don’t break a nail.”
“About Damn Time” artist Lizzo’s manicures are just as colorful as her personality.
“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson’s gold chain manicure at the 2024 BET Awards were the talk of the red carpet. “Taraji is a true nail girl,” said her nail artist, Temeka Jackson on Instagram.
Cynthia Erivo, star of the “Wicked” film, got all the way into character with this show-stopping green set of nails she wore on the red carpet before the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, courtesy of celebrity nail artist Rose Hackle.
Content creator Skylar Marshai is never seen without a creative set of nails, like this beautiful design courtesy of celebrity nail artist Melissa Samuel (aka FinesseYourClaws). Who needs rings when your nails look like this?
We don’t know how Raven Saunders manages to compete in shot put with nails like that, but the 28-year-old athlete also known as “Hulk,” keeps every tip in place.
With the help of celebrity nail artist Bernadette Thompson, rapper Missy Elliot’s nails area always super, duper fly.
Designer Marc Jacobs may not be Black, but he credits Black women for inspiring his love of artistic nail designs.
“Thank you Flo-Jo, Lil Kim, Missy, Sha’ Carri and all the beautiful, creative black women who paved the way. Flowers, admiration and infinite respect to you,” Jacobs wrote in an Instagram post.
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