The 2024 Olympics have us all on the edge of our seats, cheering on our favourite athletes as they push their limits. While we’re captivated by their incredible feats of strength and skill, let’s admit it – we beauty enthusiasts also can’t help but sneak a peek at some of their beautifully manicured hands.
From gymnasts to swimmers, these athletes are inspiring us both physically and fashionably, including their nail game!
So, check out these Olympic manicures! From bold and patriotic designs to subtle and elegant styles, these athletes are proving that even with sweaty palms and intense competition, you can still have flawless nails.
Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman in the world and an American track star, is famous for her lightning-fast sprints in the 100 and 200 metres. This year, she’s making a statement with her extra-long, stars-and-stripes manicure that adds a patriotic touch to her already impressive look.
During an ESPYs interview in 2021, she said, “Every time I hit the track, you can expect to see long nails and a new hair colour. As long as my community loves it, I’ll keep bringing it every time.”
Brianna Throssell
If you’re a fan of Olympic swimming, you’ve probably seen Australian swimmer Brianna Throssell in action during the 2024 Olympics, where she secured a gold medal at the Women’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay.
Her nails, sporting a green and gold French manicure, were a nod to Australia’s national colours. Throssell chose this vibrant look to honour her country’s official palette as she prepared for her competition.
Laura Collett
During the 2024 Olympics, British equestrian Laura Collett put up a great performance, clinching gold in the Team Eventing and bronze in the Individual Eventing. Before heading to Paris, Collett visited Fern Nails in the U.K. for a meticulously detailed manicure.
Her unique nails featured the Games’ logo, the British flag, the Eiffel Tower, “Go GB,” and, most notably, llamas wearing sunglasses — making her nail art one of the standout looks of the Olympics.
Sara Balzer
French fencer Sara Balzer won the silver medal in the Women’s Individual Sabre Fencing at this year’s Olympics. She kept her look chic and coordinated with a simple yet stylish manicure featuring red, white, and blue polish that matched the French flag design on her helmet.
This elegant touch added a standout detail to her fencing ensemble.
Ilona Maher
@ilonamaher I did one hand with Olympic colors and one with USA colors
Ilona Maher, a U.S. rugby player, shared her USA-themed manicure on TikTok, showing she’s all set for the Olympics. She opted for a short, practical nail style, which is perfect given the contact-heavy nature of her sport.
Her manicure featured bold red, white, and blue designs that proudly displayed her American spirit while keeping her nails manageable and game-ready.
Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles, the 23-year-old American Olympic gymnast known for her impressive performances and stylish flair, says her long acrylic nails actually help her be more careful.
In an interview, she explained, “My nails are so precious and stylish that I’m extra cautious about my technique. I don’t want to risk falling or breaking them, so I focus even more on my form.”
Noah Lyles
Professional track and field sprinter Noah Lyles, the USA’s top contender for the 200-metre race, impressed us with a standout manicure. He sported the word “Icon” in bold blue across his nails, which popped against a crisp white base coat.
We’re hoping that, with this stylish touch, he’ll truly live up to the name and become an icon in this year’s competition.
Simone Biles
We loved watching Simone Biles bring a touch of elegance to her competition with a chic new manicure. The American gymnast chose a classic French manicure, but with a feminine twist—tiny pearl accents at the tips added a delicate touch to the timeless design.
Alex Sedrick
American rugby player, Alex Sedrick, flaunted her standout manicure at the Paris Games with a red, blue, and white theme for Rugby Sevens. As a star for the USA Women’s 7s team, she drew attention with nail art featuring the US flag and a bold red “8” on her accent finger.
Ariarne Titmus
Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus swam in the Olympics with her vibrant yellow manicure. While butter-yellow nails are trending this season, Titmus took it up a notch with chrome-topped poppy yellow nails for the Women’s 200m Freestyle Final, making a splash in the headlines.
Bernadette Szocs
Bernadette Szocs not only showcased her dedication to table tennis by making it to the Olympics but also expressed her passion through her nails. The talented Romanian player went all out with intricate designs featuring table tennis bats, logos, and flags.
Her nail art beautifully celebrated both her love for the sport and her national pride.
Sunisa Lee
United States artistic gymnast Sunisa Lee, an all-American legend, impressed us with her press-on nails French manicure at the Paris 2024 Games.
It’s refreshing to see someone opt for press-on nails instead of more elaborate salon designs, proving that style and simplicity can go hand in hand.
Veronika Marchenko
Competing in the Women’s Individual Ranking Round for archery, Veronika Marchenko from Ukraine went with a simple yet striking yellow-and-blue manicure. The colours not only match the Ukrainian flag but also complement her Olympic archery gear, adding a touch of national pride to her look.
Manika Batra
Manika Batra from India, competing in the Singles Round of 32 for table tennis, chose a super simple manicure with white nails. One nail featured the Olympic logo, while another displayed the Indian flag, representing her country.
Her understated choice kept her focus on the game while still flaunting her national pride.