From undisputed face cards to graphic liner, beauty took center stage at the 2024 Olympic Games. In addition to nail-biting finishers and record-breaking moments, the women competing at the Paris games embraced their individual beauty despite the harsh global stage they were thrust upon— and the criticism that often comes with it.
Beauty is an effective tool that allows a person to highlight their unique features, feel more empowered when entering a space, and showcase who they are in nonverbal ways. On the other hand, logic would have one think that ridiculing a woman’s looks while she is competing at such a high-level of athletic difficulty would be out of the question, however misogyny often proves otherwise.
Discourse erupted during the early days of the games as Simone Biles received ludacris commentary about her hair not being styled to onlookers’ standards. To this she responded, “next time you wanna comment on a black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T.” The 11-time Olympic medalist went on to stun crowds with her athleticism, touching up her golden glam look in between competitions.
Ilona Maher, the now first-time Olympic medalist, discusses beauty at length on her social media platform. She unapologetically expresses her femininity in the face of hundreds of comments critiquing her appearance and stands as a voice for expansive displays of beauty. Through her humorous content she shows just how connective and universal beauty can be.
Screenshot from Simone Biles’ Instagram story
Not only did these women give the athletic performances of their lives against the toughest competition in the world, but they did so staying true to their personal expressions of beauty and style. U.S. Rugby player and internet sensation Ilona Maher is ever-present in her signature red lip. Meanwhile, American soccer player and gold medalist Trinity Rodman stood out on the field in baby pink braids.
We can’t forget how Brazilian gymnasts Rebeca Andrade and Flavia Saraiva arrived at the competition each day with glimmering graphic eyeliner. And speaking of gymnasts, Jordan Chiles executed masterful routines while sporting decorative, extended nails— and yes, she can compete in them just fine. Additionally, Chiles and Simone Biles reapplying their lip products after executing insanely difficult routines delighted many beauty fans as they reveled in the young women’s greatness. Overall, the two ushered in a new standard for the way athletes carry themselves.
Then, Twanisha Terry could be spotted flying down the track due to her long braided ponytails and waist beads. Additionally, Melissa Jefferson and Jamaican athlete Shasha Lee Forbes sported patriotic hair bows, and Anna Cockrell and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone accepted their medals with stunning natural hair styles. Two-time Olympic medalist Sha’Carri Richardson left it all on the track with adorned nails that repeated her powerful quote, “I’m not back, I’m better.”
Across the board, these Olympic beauties see your comments about their appearances and are making it clear — they don’t care. They are reminding audiences, through enthusiastic conversations online, that women can be both strong and beautiful; have a playful sense of humor and still take their craft seriously. Athletes can pose with their flashy fronts and still be recognized as the legitimate talent they are.