Accessorizing the Olympic Spirit: A Showcase of Athlete Styles
For the approximately 10,500 athletes competing at the upcoming Paris Olympics, accessories — often ultrashiny and designed to catch the eye of a multitude of photographers — serve as a meaningful way to celebrate their countries, families, and personal achievements on the grandest stage of all. While some fashion choices may appear impractical for high-stakes competition — take, for instance, Simone Biles’s stunning diamond-encrusted goat pendant, which she proudly displayed at a press conference after clinching her sixth Olympic gold medal — many athletes who stand out for their style have effectively incorporated their accessories into their competitive attire. This includes sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her strikingly long black-and-neon acrylic nails, which have become as iconic as her sprinting prowess.
The Olympic rings often serve as a popular motif among athletes, yet others have opted for more personal and individualized expressions of pride. Notably, American sprinter Noah Lyles showcased a dazzling chain-link necklace when he secured his first gold medal in the 100-meter final. Meanwhile, Korean sharpshooter Kim Yeji took a sentimental approach by wearing her daughter’s plush elephant toy attached to her waist during her competition.
Regardless of the inspiration behind their choices, these athletes are leveraging the world’s largest stage as a platform to highlight their cherished bling. Below are some standout accessories that have captured our attention:
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Simone Biles’s Diamond Goat Pendant:
It’s not every day that an Olympic gold medalist adorns herself with an accessory that arguably outshines the medal itself. Ms. Biles, who achieved her sixth Olympic gold medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around competition, did just that with a custom-made pendant featuring 546 dazzling diamonds sculpted into the shape of a goat. This design serves as a playful nod to her well-earned reputation as the greatest of all time. As she noted, “The people love it, and some people hate it. So it’s like the best of both worlds.”
