In a surprising twist, nail art has gained significant attention at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gymnast Jordan Chiles mentioned that her long acrylic nails remind her to be more cautious during performances to avoid damaging them, while sprinter Noah Lyles showcased his own manicure during a race. Another athlete who is making waves with her striking nails is sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, whose game-day look is heavily influenced by her vibrant and lengthy nail designs. This is reminiscent of the iconic late Olympic track athlete Florence Griffith Joyner, known for her bold and colorful nails, a legacy Richardson seems to channel.
Richardson is set to compete in the women’s 4×100 meter relay on Friday, aiming for a gold medal. Part of her preparation includes wearing a set of custom press-on nails created by one of her trusted nail technicians, Angie Aguirre. Aguirre’s work recently garnered widespread attention after Richardson graced the cover of Vogue’s July 2024 digital issue, where she was seen sporting a set of nails designed and delivered by Aguirre overnight.
For the photo shoot, Vogue traveled to Central Florida, where Richardson was training for the Olympics. Aguirre, based in Brooklyn, New York, arranged for the nails to be shipped to Richardson’s cousin, who resides in Florida, to be applied on Richardson’s nails in time for the shoot. According to Aguirre, Vogue had sent her a photo of Florence Griffith Joyner as a reference, requesting a similar nail design. With this in mind, Aguirre drew inspiration from Griffith Joyner’s iconic style but added a personal touch by incorporating elements that Richardson favors.
Richardson’s preference for gold was a key influence in the design process. “A lot of gold,” Richardson emphasized, noting her affinity for jewelry and gold medals. Griffith Joyner’s nails in the reference photo featured stars, so Aguirre incorporated gold metal stars into the design, ensuring that the nails would stand out. The result was a set of nails that not only captured the spirit of Griffith Joyner but also reflected Richardson’s unique style.
When the Vogue cover was finally released, Aguirre expressed her excitement and amazement at seeing her work come to life. “It felt amazing to see the photo shoot [when it went live] because that was back in March,” she explained. The anticipation had built up over time, and when the cover was eventually published, Aguirre was thrilled by the outcome. She admitted that in the midst of her busy schedule, she hadn’t fully realized the significance of being featured in such a prestigious publication. “We’ve done commercials, but, you know, I guess I didn’t have time to put in perspective that it was Vogue. You know, Vogue,” she said, emphasizing the magnitude of the accomplishment.
The story of Aguirre’s involvement with Richardson and the creation of these custom nails highlights the importance of personal expression in sports and the growing influence of fashion and beauty in the athletic world. Just as Florence Griffith Joyner left a lasting impression with her iconic nails, Sha’Carri Richardson is now carrying that torch forward, making her mark not only on the track but also in the world of fashion and beauty. With Aguirre’s designs complementing Richardson’s fierce and dynamic personality, the sprinter is set to leave a lasting impression both on and off the track.
