21-year-old track and field runner Sha'Carri Richardson is known for her break neck speed: as a freshman at Louisiana State University, she ran the 100 meter dash in 10.75 seconds, breaking the record at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships. Aside from being deemed the fastest woman in the nation, she is also known for her head turning looks. With lean, muscular limbs full of tattoos, she hits the track in different colored wigs and long nails, drawing comparisons between her and iconic track and field star, Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner aka Flo Jo, who was the fastest woman of her time, and also known for her long nails, one legged catsuits, and otherwise revolutionary style.
For black women in sports, it's about more than athleticism or being the best in their field. It's also about personal expression, and showing that not only can you do the work-- but you can display your unique sartorial tastes while doing it.
Throughout the years, women of color have shown that they can break records while also breaking the mold for 'traditional' uniforms in any sport. Flo Jo frequently hit the track in custom made one legged catsuits, long acrylic nails painted in tiger stripes, fuchsia, or the colors of the flag, gold jewelry, and bold lipstick.
Tennis Great Serena Williams, who has won 23 grand slam titles, and ranked number one in tennis between 2002 and 2017, side steps traditional tennis whites, breaking out instead in one legged pink hued catsuits, a la Flo Jo, or neon backless ensembles with shoes to match.
It's only natural for those that don't fall in line to cause a stir, inviting backlash, derision, and hate laced social media commentary. Serena's outfits have been called 'hideous,' and 'inappropriate.' The president of the French Tennis Federation said he intended to implement a dress code and ban certain outfits after Williams donned a Wakanda inspired black catsuit to the 2018 French Open.
Ever one to take unwarranted criticism in stride, Serena, in a post match interview, said, "You can be beautiful and powerful at the same time." Indeed. Flo Jo also once said, “Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast!” And in a now viral clip of Sha'Carri Richardson, she says, "No matter what color my hair is, no matter how long my nails are, no matter how outspoken I am, my talent speaks for itself. When I step on the track, it doesn't matter what I look like, what color I am, if I can do it, I'ma do it. The talent speaks for itself. And that's all that matters."
Long nails, bold colors, or hair choice should never overshadow outstanding talent. Forced to play small for centuries, black women deserve their time in the spotlight, standing atop podiums in outfits that instill confidence and exude self love and expression.
As iconic athletes Flo Jo, Serena Williams, and now Sha'Carri Richardson show, stand out style and exquisite athleticism more often than not go hand in hand. Style is in their DNA and will continue to persist for generations to come.
Images: Getty, Jeff Cohen Photo
