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.
In any case, the new sets and shiny finishes that were on display in Paris are impressive. But slicing into the air in mid-competition is even more impressive. Iconic. It’s not surprising that athletes will look polished at the Opening Ceremonies. But a touch of glam for the track, the gym, the pool, or the court is just as impressive. We’re seeing superhuman grip with custom coffin acrylics (???Neon tips are resistant to chlorine and patriotic nail designs make us salute.
We love it when athletes have fun on the stage and show off their personal style. The road to the Olympics is not easy, so we are always happy to see them having a good time. 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 athletes can get glammed up on site in Paris.
Keep checking back to see more photos as the Games continue. (Sha’Carri, we’re ready for you!)
1. Jordan Chiles, United States, Artistic Gymnastics
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Chiles delivered a spectacular uneven bars performance. Meanwhile, I’ve been known to break a nail while grocery shopping.
2. Alex Sedrick, United States Rugby Sevens
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3. Sara Balzer, France, Fencing—Women’s Sabre Individual Round of 16
FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images
4. Laura van der Winkel, Netherlands, Archery—Women’s Individual Qualifying Round
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