The top manicures and nail art from the Olympic Games in Paris

“It’s not just athletes and performers. We mostly see 17- to 25-year-old women working in professional environments who want to express their individuality, sometimes with different artwork on each nail.”

A nail salon in the Olympic Village in Paris can assist with simple manicures but many of the athletes apply their own art.

“Intricate nail art can take three hours,” Pham says. “For many people this time is about prioritising self-care.”

Male athletes embracing manicures

By helping themselves, athletes such as Lyles and French volleyballer Remi Bassereau are helping others. Using nail polish as a form of self-expression challenges traditional notions of masculinity in sport.

Former NBA champion Dwyane Wade posted support for Lyles on Twitter, saying “And he got his nails painted, say something” after the sprinter won gold.

“Nail polish does not have a gender,” says Lucas Lane, 15, founder of Australian nail polish pen brand Glossy Boys. “It doesn’t express your sexuality. It’s fun.”

Three years ago, Perth-based Lane launched his make-up brand after experimenting with nail polish as a part of skate culture and as a way to express individuality in his school uniform. Glossy Boys is expected to reach $250,000 in revenue this year from sales in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.

“Like the athletes I found a way to be myself that was outside the rules,” Lane says. “No one is getting hurt by what you’re doing so it’s crazy that there would be any backlash.”

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“What Noah Lyles is doing shows support for his team but most importantly for himself. Noah is an icon right, he even told you by painting it on his nails”

While playing for Carlton, AFL footballer Jordan Boyd has taken the same approach as Lyles by ignoring stereotypically sexist responses on social media and painting his nails.

“I started a few years ago when my girlfriend painted a few nails, but it wasn’t until this year that there were some negative comments,” Boyd says.

“Fortunately, the team has always been supportive. Our former development coach Dan O’Keefe was big on us being ourselves and so is our coach Michael Voss. I’ve always done things a bit differently.”

Following social media criticism Boyd has leant into nail art, painting all his nails on the field.

“I have had plenty of messages of support for showing that you can be different, or just be yourself, in a very masculine environment.”

In June, Chemist Warehouse partnered with Boyd on a social media post featuring the footballer engaging in a pre-game polish with Essie products. Sports agent Green-Medina expects more nail-related sponsorships after the Olympics.

“It would come down to the individual athlete,” Green-Medina says. “It has to be authentic, which is what we are seeing at the Games.”

“Some athletes are very protective of their ritual and might not want to have it commercialised. As a manager, we want to drive their opportunities, but ultimately, their performance comes first. Some are happy just doing it to win.”

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