If you have difficulty identifying your favourite athletes in Paris, just look at their hands. Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus ’s prophetic golden fingernails, US gymnast Jordan Chiles’ striped tips and US sprinter Noah Lyles’ lightning bolts have become buffed signposts of success while wrapped around medals. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics American athlete Florence Griffith-Joyner’s curved talons were an anomaly but 36 years later flashy manicures, such as the intricate nail art of US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, are more widespread than bacteria in the Seine.
“We’ve seen it in the past with tattoos,” says Dr Michelle O’Shea, from the Western Sydney University School of Business. “As a sportsperson there is an expectation around the body of performance. Nail art is another way of articulating yourself that goes beyond uniforms and sneakers.
” “It can be personal,” says Carlie Green-Medina, founder of the sport management company Agency X. “There is a branding element with things such as nail polish that helps athletes stand out, but this is really about what makes them perform better.” Loading “Getting nail art can be a ritual for athletes.
They can be pretty superstitious. Shayna Jack always swims with white nails and pearl earrings.” Jack’s white manicure in Paris was enhanced with the Australian team colours.
Discus thrower Taryn Gollshewsky fully committed to green and gold nails, while French fencer Sara Balzer, Italian fencer Arianna Errigo and Spanish volleyball player Paula Soria Gutierrez drew inspiration from their national flags. “Athletes are just reflecting what’s happening in the wider community,” says nail artist and educator Jade Pham. “In the past few months the number of people choosing to express their personalities with nail art has grown.
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