The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of the sporting world, with athletes training their whole lives to compete in the event. And, while we can’t wait to see the events take place in Tokyo and to cheer on the athletes, we’re also excited to see the beauty choices and personal touches they bring to their Olympic uniform.
The Olympics has a glowing history of weird and wonderful hair and makeup looks, and we’re diving into all of that glory in preparation for what this year’s Games are going to bring. From Flo-Jo’s wildly long nails, to Kristi Yamaguchi’s hair and makeup at the 1992 games, these are our favourite beauty choices from previous Olympic Games.
Florence Griffith-Joyner
American track and field athlete, Florence Griffith-Joyner, famously known as Flo-Jo, turned heads at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, with her nails. Flo-Jo might have won gold in the women’s 100, 200 and 4×100 metres relay and walked away with a silver medal for the 200 metres at the event, but years later, her long, painted nails are still just as memorable.
Flo-Jo’s nails were painted in the patriotic colours of red, white and blue but also included two gold nails (a nod to winning gold, perhaps?) and featured a number of different patterns and diamontes. The nails were also quite long, which brought more attention to Flo-Jo while competing.
Michelle Jenneke
Australian hurdler and Olympian Michelle Jenneke is internationally recognisable, thanks to the fun and enthusiastic warm-up dance she does before competing. In 2012, a video of Jenneke dancing before an event went viral and she’s since been a household name in the sporting world.
In terms of beauty, Jenneke has a relaxed approach to her hair and makeup but does also rock the same hairstyle at events, one which has become synonymous with her and was seen at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. That hairstyle is a high pony paired with a ribbon, often one that is green and gold coloured.
While it might be a simple style, we have come to expect Jenneke to wear a ponytail and ribbon combination in her hair, which, when coupled with her warm-up dance, truly injects a little whimsy into an otherwise serious event.
Kristi Yamaguchi
American figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi was the epitome of ’90s style at the Winter Olympic Games in 1992 in Albertville, France. Yamaguchi won her first gold medal at the Albertville Games, with her hair and makeup choices also reaching icon status at the same time.
Yamaguchi wore teased out bangs, styled into a wave-like shape that was popular in the ’80s and early ’90s, while the rest of her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her makeup was fairly simple, save for rosy cheeks and hot pink lipstick, which also matched her nails. Love!
Nickiesha Wilson
Nickiesha Wilson is a hurdler and Olympian from Jamaica who cemented her status as such at the 2012 Olympic Games in London by shaving the Olympic rings into her hair. Wilson paired her unique and festive ‘do with a side ponytail and chunky silver stud earrings to finish the look. We love the celebration of the event and Wilson’s commitment to it.
Venus Williams
American tennis player Venus Williams included a little bit of her colourful personality in her hairdo for the 2012 London Games. Paring red, white and blue braids with blue eyeshadow and red lips, Williams collected her gold medal alongside sister Serena Williams for the women’s double’s tennis event.
Peggy Fleming
American figure skater Peggy Fleming competed in the 1968 Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France and took home a gold medal. While practising for her event at the Olympics, Fleming donned a sweet green dress and paired it with a classic ’60s updo and minimal makeup. We truly love this nostalgic style.
