For the past two weeks, the world has been hooked on to the Olympics. While the focus has been on who ran the fastest, swam the quickest, jumped the highest, threw the farthest, played the fiercest, or fought the strongest, fashion conscious viewers too have been glued to the world’s biggest sporting event.
They are tuned in to spot the hottest beauty and fashion trends flaunted by the champions. As it turns out, Rio 2016 has been one of the most stylish games, showcasing sprinters with the choicest hairstyles, gymnasts with flawless make-up, synchronised swimmers with fashion-forward bling outfits, and most other athletes flaunting patriotic nail art. MetroPlus gives you a peek into what caught the attention of shutter bugs and fashionistas.
Hair, Hues, and Headbands
Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson is not just the world’s fastest woman, taking home the gold in 100m and 200m races. She is also one of the most stylish sprinters we’ve seen, what with that statement-double strap headband framing her attractive face.
Then there was her compatriot, Shelley Ann Fraser, who won not just the 100m bronze but also wowed spectators with her yellow and green ombré mane, held in place by a metallic headband. Shaunae Miller’s blue-green ombre was a hit too. Trinidadian sprinter, Michelle Lee-Ahye totally rocked her red hair as did Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare with her purple locks. US gymnast Aly Raisman has been the undisputed topknot queen at the Games. Winners of the synchronised swimming duet -- Russia’s Natalya Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina’s matching jewelled headpieces looked lovely on them and France’s Manon Houette’s fishtail braid looked impeccable through her handball matches.
Sparkle and shine
The award-winning American gymnasts at Rio 2016 had their fashion game on point as well. While their crystal studded leotards channelled some classy elegance, enamoured by Simone Biles’ glittery patriotic eye make-up, beauty bloggers are already uploading video tutorials online! Coming to accessories, it was almost impossible to overlook America’s Natasha Hastings shiny footwear on the tracks. Those metallic gold shoes have sure served as design inspiration for indigenous shoemakers around the world.
Pout and about
This year, a lot has been said about athletes wearing make-up on field but there’s no denying that they’ve done it better than many of us would on any given day! At the women’s all-round gymnastics final, Elissa Downie of Great Britain displayed matte red lips while Gabrielle Douglas’ ox-blood lipstick looked amazing on her. the American gymnast. US athlete Shannon Rowbury may not have won a medal but her deep red/hot pink lips were being talked about even by infamous news presenters.
Nailing it
Most athletes at the Olympics this year were spotted flaunting some really creative and patriotic manicures. Drawing inspiration from her country’s flag, the ever stylish Serena Williams showed off her accent manicure. The gymnastics champ, Simone Biles, did it with an eclectic combination of nail art styles. Stars and stripes, French tip, and accent nail, she had them all! Canadian beach volleyball player, Heather Bansley’s maple leaf detailed manicure exuded its own charm. And in the same league was our very own Table Tennis player, Manika Batra, who wore the tricolour on her nails.
Tattoo talk
Quite obviously, the Olympic rings were the preferred choice of permanent inking for many athletes at Rio 2016 -- each flaunting it in their unique style. But we must admit each sports person flaunted their body art uniquely. While American swimmer, Missy Franklin, has the Olympic rings tattooed on her upper thigh, gymnast Rebecca Downie has hers just above her left ankle, Vanessa Ferrari of Italy wears hers on the nape of her neck, and Colombian cyclist, Mariana Pajon has the rings tattooed on her wrist. Bringing in an interesting twist was Icelandic gymnast, Irina Sazonova, who got the logo for this year’s games in Rio inked onto the back of her neck.
One also couldn’t miss Bulgarian sprinter, Ivet Lalova-Collio’s unique navel tattoo that looked great as she flaunted her washboard abs. And, of course, Shelley Ann-Fraser’s metallic temporary tattoos were simply the prettiest. As the burning flame in the cauldron is extinguished and the flag folding and handover between host cities takes place, Rio 2016 will go down in history for showcasing not just a stupendous display of superhuman athleticism, but also and of course the most impressive fashion trends of the season!
