13 Olympic Athletes’ Manicures That Work Hard and Play Harder

13 Olympic Athletes’ Manicures That Work Hard and Play Harder


If you’ve been as locked into the 2024 Olympics as I have—as in, you keep finding your face literal inches from the TV screen—you might have noticed some stiff competition in my favorite unofficial event: nail game.

The fresh sets and glossy finishes on display in Paris would be impressive in any context, but slicing through the air mid-competition? Iconic. Sure, we expect the athletes to look polished for the Opening Ceremonies, but a dash of glam in the court, gym, pool, or track just hits different. We’re seeing superhuman grip with custom coffin acrylics (???), neon tips that are no match for chlorine, and patriotic nail art that makes us want to stand up and salute.

The path to the Olympics can be punishing, so we always love to see an athlete having fun and flashing a little personal style on the world stage. It’s amazing how much character and personality a great manicure can convey. While I have a lot of questions about how, exactly, you can grip a bar or a tennis racket with talons, I’m still very much enjoying the mani-fication of Olympic Village. (It probably helps that all the athletes have access to glam on-site in Paris.)

Check out our favorite nails from the 2024 Olympics in action below, and keep checking back here for more as the Games progress. (Sha’Carri, we’re ready for you!)


1. Jordan Chiles, United States, Artistic Gymnastics

Wally Skalij/Getty Images

Chiles gave a stunning uneven bars performance with this set. Meanwhile, I’ve been known to break a nail while grocery shopping.

2. Alex Sedrick, United States, Rugby Sevens

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CARL DE SOUZA/Getty Images

3. Sara Balzer, France, Fencing—Women’s Sabre Individual Round of 16

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FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images

4. Laura van der Winkel, Netherlands, Archery—Women’s Individual Qualifying Round

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Anadolu/Getty Images



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