Team USA athlete, Sha’Carri Richardson, is not only making headlines for her speedy sprint times, as her nail looks have captured global attention during the 2024 Olympic Games.
Known for sporting long, embellished nail designs on the track – often featuring intricate nail art, the Paris Games has been no exception. Styles have ranged from patriotic nails for the Olympic Opening Ceremony, to a bejeweled look for the women’s 100m final, in which Richardson won a silver medal.
@kellyphan_nails – worn at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Now, the nail tech behind them: Florida-based Kelly Phan has shared at the glimpse at the press-on nail designs she created for the Olympian via her Instagram account, @kellyphan_nails.
She posted a video showcasing different nail styles created for the sports star, describing the opportunity as an ‘epic honor’ and ‘highlight of my career as a nail artist’.
@kellyphan_nails – worn at the women’s 100m opening heats at the Paris Games.
24-year-old Richardson, who scooped the women’s 100m world champion title in 2023, has previously commented on her nail looks. Last month, she told Nylon: “[My manicure] is based on what mood I’m in. What am I bringing to the track that day? I let my nails express that as well. Recently, in this past year, my nails have actually been press-ons, so I actually can mix different sets.
“My nail techs are incredible, creative women, so most of the time, I just give them a color and then from the color, they create and do their own thing. They just understand me as a person.”
@kellyphan_nails – worn at the Olympics women’s 100m semi-final 2024.
In a televised chat before the Games, Sha’Carri Richardson also met Grammy Award-winning rapper, Cardi B. The pair got their nails done together and discussed their excitement for the Olympics.