Here’s the Key to Having a Gold Medal Nail Care Routine (Feat. Olympian-Approved Products)
Since the Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off, athletes from all disciplines have been flaunting the best nails in the game. The manicures range from detailed nail art to press-on fake nails from the drugstore.
Ever wondered how Olympians keep their nails picture-perfect from practice to game time? You’re in luck here! Ahead, EnVi recaps some of the best manicures at the Paris 2024 Olympics and how Olympians are achieving these nail looks.
Suni Lee
American gymnast Sunisa Lee (also known as Suni Lee) spurred conversation with her appearance at the all-around Finals — and it may not be for what you think. During her routine, the audience caught a glimpse of her custom GK Elite leotard, slicked-back bun and long French-tip manicure. Her long nails — a press-on design, no less — shocked fans because of their ability to withstand an Olympic gymnastic routine.
The manicure was created with the KISS Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System Starter Kit. (ICYMI, the Hmong-American Olympian is a KISS brand ambassador and recently served as the face of the Salon X-tend campaign.) Unlike traditional press-on nails, the KISS nails adhere to the nail bed with an LED-curable soft gel. Durable and strong, the innovative press-on system provides a manicure that Olympians can trust on and off the mat.
Scarlet Mew Jensen
British Olympic diver Scarlet Mew Jensen made a splash at the women’s synchronized 3m springboard competition. Jensen — and her co-équipier Yasmin Harper — not only emerged as bronze winners but also repped Great Britain with a country-loving manicure.
Stopping for a chat with the sports channel Sky Sports, Jensen showed off her elaborate nail art. As she explained, the nail set was painted free-hand by Jensen’s synchronized swimming partner. The designs consisted of 3D water drops, gems, hearts, and the Union Jack flag. Talk about a patriotic Olympic design!
Liz Clay
Australian Olympic runner Liz Clay opted for a minimalist manicure, sporting her country’s colors in the form of French tip nails. The Olympian gave her fans a closer look at her manicure in a quick video on her personal TikTok account. Clay’s nails perfectly aligned with the current neon green wave that Charli XCX’s album Brat prompted in recent months.
Classic nude nail polish created a clean base for her manicure. Then, chartreuse and forest green polish added a pop of green to the tips of her nails. To further add an Olympic flair, Clay wore a minimalist gold ring that featured an outline of the Olympic logo. So Brat!
Zoe Verge-Depre
Swiss beach volleyball player Zoe Verge-Depre’s nails featured an Olympic logo sketch. Her clean nude and black manicure stood out against the vast majority of ultra-colorful and patriotic variations spotted at the games.
Each of Verge-Depre’s hands featured a set of Olympic logo graphics on her ring and middle fingers while the rest of her nails were painted with pale pink skin color. The nail look served as a prime example of how creative placement can elevate a minimalist design. Yes, sometimes less is more!
Manon Apithy Brunet
French Olympic fencer Manon Apithy Brunet and her nails caught attention as she grasped her country’s flag after winning the gold medal in the women’s fencing sabre individual event.
The fencer embraced the accent nail trend by donning an all-white manicure with two colorful nail designs. On her thumb and ring finger, red, white, and blue polish created three linear stripes to represent the French flag. Brunet’s manicure matched her clean white fencing suit and bestowed her look with a dash of national pride.
Sha’Carri Richardson
For years, American track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson has been synonymous with dramatic and colorful stiletto nails. Her manicures have consistently made their mark on campaigns, magazine covers and, of course, on the track field.
Richardson showcased her pastel purple and white nail look on the official USA Track & Field (USATF) TikTok account. Her nails featured a snakeskin print and chrome charms. Chiming in on the concept, Richardson stated, “It’s giving Game of Thrones, Khaleesi vibes.” And needless to say, we agree 100%.
Erin Gemmel
American Olympic swimmer Erin Gemmel may be a professional athlete by day, but she’s also a DIY (do it yourself) nail artist by night. The Olympian shared how she achieved her nail look via a video on her personal TikTok account.
For her Olympic debut, Gemmel painted an ombre-American flag manicure with nail polish from Essie and Holo Taco. Half of her nails were coated in nude-to-cobalt-blue ombre accentuated with stars. Meanwhile, Gemmel’s ring finger design consisted of a red, white, and blue design inspired by the American flag. The rest of her nails featured red stripes on top of a white ombre base.
Valerie Tarazi
Palestina’s flag-bearer swimmer Valerie Tarazi paid homage to Palestine with a stylish but purposeful manicure. Her nails featured the Hatta Kufiya pattern, the Palestinian flag, the Olympics logo and accents in glittery gold.
More so than an aesthetic element, donning the Palestinian flag in any form holds a deeper significance for the athlete. “We stand with the flag to represent the millions of Palestinians around the world who have been silenced,” Tarazi explained.
It’s been all eyes on the Paris 2024 Olympics. From the festivities to the games, the athletes have found creative ways to represent their countries even with the smallest details.
In addition to sporting their country’s colors on their nails, Olympians have also been influenced by buzzworthy trends such as neon green polish and accent nails. Simply put, the Olympic nails deserve a medal for creativity and inventive representation!
Are you thinking about creating your own Olympic manicure? Keep scrolling to find more nail inspiration from your favorite athletes at the Paris Olympics.
Estefanía Gómez
Ana Carolina da Silva
Viviane Lyra
Bárbara Seixas
Aimara Nazareno
Chiara Rebagliati
Bendetta Pilato
Team Italy Gymnastics
Lisa Angiolini
Rebeca Andrade
Arianna Errigo
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