There have been plenty of breathtaking victories at the Paris Olympics so far, from the Matildas’ come-from-behind victory over Zambia to Jess Fox’s gold medal in the K1 slalom final and the Australian women’s freestyle relay team setting a new Olympic record in the sport, but there’s one event that’s top of our minds: some of the biggest stars of the Paris Olympics are bona fide beauty lovers who have become known for their striking looks.
Given that female athletes already face a lot of sexism in sports, it’s no wonder they’ve traditionally eschewed visible makeup unless required by their sport — after all, we live in a world where male commentators still feel comfortable making sexist jokes about makeup while women compete.
But Olympians like Chase Jackson, Shakari Richardson, and Ilona Meyer are forcing the men to comment. From Chase Jackson showing off bold, playful looks to Shakari Richardson telling a very personal story with her hair and nails to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Team taking aim at free Fenty items on TikTok (we can relate!), there’s been plenty of beauty to see and look forward to at the Paris Olympics so far.
Here are some of our favorite athletes who prove there’s room for glamour even in tough situations.
Beautiful stars who will break out at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Chase Jackson
(Credit: Getty)
Chase Jackson is a track and field star, competing in the shot put at the Paris Olympics. She has a presence on the track with eye makeup, showing that softness (and even playfulness) can go hand in hand with strength. Jackson has several anime-inspired tattoos, and her beauty look features elements of Sailor Moon and delicate butterfly wings. Jackson hand-draws flowers and paints them hot pink. She will compete in the women’s shot put competition on August 8, and we can’t wait to see what beauty she shows off.
Shakari Richardson
(Credit: Getty/Christian Petersen)
American sprinter Sha’Cary Richardson has become famous for her extra-long nail extensions on the track, but for the sprinter, beauty is about more than just fun.
After being ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics for testing positive for THC, Richardson made headlines when she announced she’d be tossing off a wig and returning to the sport in 2023. The sprinter then spoke to Vogue about connecting with her family through beauty, revealing that her grandmother inspired her to get into nails. She also frequently speaks about her close relationship with Orlando-based hairstylist Ki Lentz, who does braids. “Ki gives me energy. I can feel her sincerity on my scalp while she styles my hair.”
If her patriotic nails at the Opening Ceremony are any indication, Richardson’s acrylic nails will be in place when she competes in the women’s 100 meter sprints on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3.
Synchronized Swimming “Artistic”
(Credit: Instagram: @anitaaalvarez)
Artistic swimming, also known as synchronized swimming, combines elements of ballet, swimming, acrobatics and presentation, and the last part requires a ton of waterproof hair and makeup products. You’ll wonder how they keep that red lipstick, black eyeliner and silky smooth hair in place. Olympian Anita Alvarez recently told Vogue that it takes loads of Knox gelatin and lots of bobby pins to give swimmers’ hair the hold of a lacquered helmet, adding that waterproof Make Up Forever products are preferred to get the team from the water to the podium without the bobby pins slipping out of place.
The artistic swimming competition will take place from August 6th to 8th.
Shireen Bukhri
(Credit: Getty/Buda Mendes)
France’s Silene Bouclé won the bronze medal in judo last week and received her medal with a shiny shield.
U.S. Women’s Rugby Team and Fenty
@ilonamaher @Fenty Beauty Can you get some fun gift bags? @sam_sull_22 @Ari Ramsey ♬ Original Sound – The Kid LAROI.
We all love being #gifted with beauty products, and the US Women’s Rugby Team is no exception. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is an official partner of the Paris Olympics, but it’s volunteers, not Olympians, who will be gifting beauty starter kits. Ilona Maher proved that “no one is safe from the beauty fomo” by posting a photo of the team getting a makeover on their faces and tagging Fenty Beauty with the question, “Can I get a fun gift bag?”
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Ruby Fennelly
