Polishing Perceptions: Celebrating Nail Art in Sport
From the starting line to centre court, athletes are making waves with more than just their skills. We discover how nail art is redefining athleticism and empowerment, one dazzling design at a time.
By Fi Aldilmi
Forget the roar of the crowd or the blur of bodies on the track. In today’s athletic world, a different kind of spectacle is stealing the spotlight: nail art. Yes, nail art. Those tiny canvases at our fingertips have become a vibrant platform for self-expression, and nowhere is this trend more audacious than in the world of female track and field athletes.
This isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Gone are the days of uniform minimalism in sports. Gen Z, the generation synonymous with “extra,” has brought its love of bold visuals and self-expression to every corner of culture, and nail art is no exception. Salons are flooded with requests for intricate designs, eye-popping colours, and anything that pushes the boundaries of the traditional manicure. Social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are brimming with inspiration, with nail art hashtags racking up billions of views.
Why has the track become a surprising runway for this outbreak of creativity? Unlike many other sports, where athletes have some leeway in their uniforms, track and field stars are often confined to a sea of identical singlets and shorts. This lack of personal expression on clothing turns nails into a canvas for creativity, and for many athletes, that canvas is their nails.
Running stars like Dina Asher-Smith and Sha’Carri Richardson proudly flaunt their long, intricately designed nails, a testament to both their athletic prowess and their personal style. The beauty of nail art in track and field goes beyond aesthetics—these manicures are show-stopping. Lolo Jones, Olympic hurdler, sums it up perfectly: “There is nothing like feeling confident when you’re on the start line. That extra confidence helps you perform. That’s why people dress up for job interviews; that’s why people dress up on dates. That level of confidence exudes out.” They also become your signature look. One glimpse at Sha’Carri Richardson’s recent digital Vogue cover and the first thing we spotted? The nails. The USA Track & Field star is featured in a striking Ralph Lauren Collection bodysuit and skirt, flowing in the wind as she appears ready to take off. Gold Nike sneakers complete the look, and of course, her signature long, decorated nails are a focal point. Sha’Carri herself has stated in an interview, “Nails have always been my art, like they have always had my attention.”
The trend has a rich history, ignited by the legendary Florence “Flo-Jo” Griffith-Joyner. A dominant track star, Griffith-Joyner became a legend at the 1988 Seoul Olympics with her still-standing world records in the 100-metre and 200-metre races. While her athletic prowess continues to inspire generations, it was her long, glossy red acrylic nails at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that became her signature statement. Defying expectations, she sparked a legacy that continues to empower athletes to express themselves through nail art.
One look around the Paris 2024 Olympics, and you’ll see nail art everywhere. Simone Biles took her TikTok followers along on her pre-Olympics beauty prep with 3D French tips that were immediately saved to our manicure inspiration folders. Team GB has been on fire with the nail inspo, showcasing art that mimics the wavy Team GB logo with some glitter for good measure. They’ve emerged as the team with the most graphic nail art looks at these Olympics. We love how the Team GB colours have been rethought in geometric designs as a nod to the Olympics. Meanwhile, Australian swimmer Brianna Throssell opted for a green and gold double French manicure for the Paris Games.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Black women have been the true trailblazers in using nail art as a platform for self-expression and cultural pride. Long before it became mainstream, they defied expectations and embraced bold nail designs. These manicures aren’t just visually beautiful, but they obtain an intangible power to reinforce self-belief. For female athletes, particularly Black women who’ve historically faced pressure to conform, nail art becomes a tool for reclaiming ownership of their image.
For decades, Black women have taken pride in the divinity of their nails. Glossy lacquer was a stage and album-cover staple for icons like Donna Summer and Diana Ross. Flo-Jo set Olympic records in a dazzling red, white, and blue manicure. As hip-hop and R&B rose to prominence, so did the popularity of bold French tips and long, curved acrylics, worn by everyone from SWV to Lil’ Kim.
It’s also impossible to discuss nail decorations without acknowledging their historical connection to wealth and power. Anthropologists have traced nail paint back as far as 5000 BC in ancient Egypt, where only the rich were permitted to wear red. In China around 3000 BC, the wealthy grew their nails long and adorned them with jewellery to signify they didn’t need to use their hands for manual labour.
These attitudes continued well into the 1970s and 80s, as Black women embraced acrylic nails. Society, particularly white middle-class society, often viewed “fake” nails with disdain, associating them with lower social status. The underlying message was clear: long, painted nails signified leisure and privilege, while short, unadorned nails indicated manual labour. This, of course, was a form of classist warfare disguised as beauty standards.
confidence
While track and field athletes may be the most visible proponents of nail art in sports due to their limited uniform options, the movement extends far beyond the stadium. Basketball stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner use their nails as canvases for team colours or motivational quotes, making a statement of confidence that connects with fans. Even traditionally conservative sports like tennis are seeing a shift. Serena Williams, who has rocked nail art on the court for years and even had her own OPI nail polish line, has always challenged the sport’s strict dress code, which extends to manicures. Her rule-breaking has inspired a new generation of tennis players to express themselves.
This year, Coco Gauff and Katie Boulder sported sweet strawberry-themed manis, while Donna Vekic defied expectations at Wimbledon’s all-white dress code with a manicure featuring the tournament’s signature green and purple in a modern twist on French tips.
Ultimately, the rise of nail art in sports is a celebration of individuality. It shatters stereotypes and empowers female athletes across all disciplines to tell their stories on their own terms. These vibrant canvases at their fingertips, a kaleidoscope of colours and intricate designs, become testaments to their journeys, personalities, and enduring legacies and we can’t get enough of them!
Title image: Close-up of fastest woman alive, American sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner’s nails.
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