All eyes are on Sha’Carri Richardson as she prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games. The American sprinting sensation is a favorite for Olympic gold in the women’s 100m, fueled by her extraordinary performance at the Trials. But Richardson is more than just an athlete; she’s a style icon, embracing her creativity and individuality on and off the track. Her commitment to ever-changing hair color, dazzling acrylic nail designs, and lush lashes have become a visual calling card, reminding us of another legendary athlete: Florence “Flo Jo” Griffith Joyner.
One of the most decorated Olympic female sprinters in American history, the late Florence Joyner won three gold and two silver medals across two Olympic Games. In 1988, she set the women’s world record for the 100m and 200m sprint, a record she still holds as the fastest woman of all time. Her impact transcended the sport, bringing track and field to the forefront and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Like Richardson, Flo Jo was known for her bold style. Her long, brightly colored, bedazzled nails became a trademark, a symbol of her personality and individuality. Her most iconic set, worn during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, featured four-inch star-spangled nails representing Team USA, with two gold nails symbolizing her hope of winning gold. She did.
Flo Jo’s willingness to mix fashion and sport made her a cultural icon, proving that style and performance could coexist. She showed the world that athletes could be both powerful and glamorous, challenging the traditional notion of femininity in sports. Her legacy continues to inspire, particularly for women of color, proving that athletes can embrace their roots and celebrate their individuality.
Richardson, in her own unique way, carries on Flo Jo’s legacy. She embodies the spirit of self-expression, using her style to empower herself and inspire others. Both athletes demonstrate that women in sports can be both fierce competitors and trendsetters, leaving their mark on the world both on and off the track.
