Florence Griffith Joyner is a name everyone knows, and for good reason! FloJo was more than just an outstanding athlete; she was a true icon. When she stepped onto the track, her flashy one-legged bodysuits and dazzling sparkly acrylic nails made her impossible to overlook. Known as the fastest woman in the world, she wowed fans with her speed. Flo Jo was all about glamour! Her impact still resonates deeply today, even today.
FloJo used to flaunt bold, colorful 4-inch nails that featured everything from tiger stripes to wild animal prints. Believe it or not, those nails started at an impressive 6.5 inches, but she had to trim them down a bit to manage her hair. Her famous motto was, “Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast.” This philosophy perfectly captured her vibrant personality and her belief that style and performance could go hand in hand!
However, a new rising star from Britain, who recently clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, is carving out a path that’s uniquely their own—much like Flo Jo did in her heyday. Just as FloJo designed her own eye-catching unitards, this 22-year-old athlete might in the future bring a fresh and innovative flair to her performance gear.
Keely Hodgkinson, one of the fastest women in the world, won the 800 m gold at this year’s Paris Olympics. She entered the race as the favorite, even against tough competition like Kenyan world champion Mary Moraa. Confident and calm, she surged past Moraa at the Stade de France, finishing in 1:56.72. “I just sensed it was meant to happen,” she says, explaining how her mindset got her across the line.
More than nine million viewers tuned in on BBC1 and iPlayer to watch her become the first British female Olympic athletics champion since Jessica Ennis-Hill in 2012, making her race the most-watched event of Paris 2024. Life has changed since that moment. Hodgkinson now gets recognized on the streets, has gained hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers—including a congratulatory comment from David Beckham—and is making waves in the fashion world.
She shared, “Two days later I headed to Milan for the Emporio Armani show. Life on the front row couldn’t be further from the gruelling training routine that generally takes up six days of my week. It’s a different world but I love it,” she laughs. However, she revealed, “I love fashion. I don’t think I’ve found my style yet, it changes a lot. I’m only 22.” Yet, it seems Hodgkinson is starting to carve out and define her own sense of style, while others are following FloJo’s fashion sense.
Flo-Jo’s timeless influence on sports and fashion
In the decades since her passing in 1998, FloJo’s influence continues to resonate in both sports and fashion. Her bold sense of style has left a lasting impression on athletes and designers alike. One standout tribute came during the 2021 Australian Open when Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, honored Flo-Jo with a unique tennis outfit. Williams, in collaboration with Nike, donned an asymmetrical bodysuit in black, red, and pink, inspired by Flo-Jo’s iconic “one-leggers” from the late 1980s.
After her victory against Laura Siegemund in the first round, Williams shared the sentimental meaning behind her outfit. “I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete, when I was growing up,” she said. “Watching her fashion, just always changing. Her outfits were always amazing.” Williams also discussed how the design came to life, explaining that Nike’s team had the idea to blend Flo-Jo’s style with her own, resulting in an updated version with tweaks like a biker-short-length leg instead of the bikini cut that Flo-Jo often wore.
Even Sha’Carri Richardson is following the legendary FloJo due to her bold style and remarkable achievements. At just 24, Sha’Carri Richardson often embraces FloJo’s motto, “Dress good to look good.” Richardson is not just running fast—she’s also redefining what it means to be a stylish athlete in a new era.
Both FloJo and Sha’Carri share a fearless approach to fashion that reflects their personalities and ambitions. Richardson’s daring looks, from her vibrant hair (until 2023 she used to wear) to her striking tattoos and nails, showcase her individuality and confidence. They both use their style to express themselves and challenge norms in the sport, proving that fashion and athleticism can go hand in hand.
FloJo’s legacy in sports and fashion hasn’t only influenced Serena Williams and Richardson. Other public figures have paid homage as well. In 2018, Beyonce dressed as the legendary sprinter for Halloween, showcasing how FloJo’s bold aesthetic transcends generations. From dominating the track in record time to influencing modern-day fashion icons, Flo Jo’s impact remains undeniable.
Debate
Is Keely Hodgkinson the next FloJo, or is she carving her own unique path in athletics?