“Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast!” said the legendary Florence Griffith Joyner, aka Flo-Jo, the fastest woman even 26 years after her untimely death in 1998. Every time this world-record-breaking track-and-field icon stepped onto the track, the world watched with great curiosity. What would Flo-Jo wear? Which record would she break next? With her iconic one-legged leotards, shiny metallic catsuits, flawless makeup, blow-out hair, and those long, blinged-out acrylic nails, Flo-Jo was setting trends that were light-years ahead of her time. Today, Flo-Jo’s legacy has trickled down through the eras, leaving a lasting impression on gymnastics‘ very own “I’m that girl,” Jordan Chiles.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, Paris Olympics-bound Jordan shared how Flo-Jo played a huge role not just in her sense of style but also in her sportsmanship. She said, “She was always known for having long nails. So I thought: ‘Okay, if she was able to do that on track, why can’t we do that in other sports? Why can’t I do that with gymnastics?’ “

Flo-Jo’s looks remain iconic; she used the track as her personal runway without compromising her speed, making her stand out even more. Jordan Chiles has channeled this same energy into her gymnastics, especially with her feisty floor routines. Jordan Chiles shared, “And there’s a typical way you’re supposed to look in gymnastics—if you look it up, you see it. You know it. I thought, ‘Why can’t I just change that part of it? If I can do really cool and unique fashion looks with my leotards, why can’t I also do that with my makeup or my hair?’ “

Just like Flo-Jo turned heads on the track, Jordan Chiles is shaking up gymnastics norms with her standout style. From her Beyoncé-themed leotard and custom designs with GK Elite to her colorful chunky Jordan sneakers, long acrylic nails, shiny eyeliner, flawless makeup, and cute hairstyles, she’s proving you can be stylish and fierce without sacrificing performance. Clinching her ticket to her second Olympic run at the Paris Olympics is proof of that. But Jordan isn’t the only one paying homage to the fashion icon Flo-Jo. Black icons continue to carry forward the legacy the speed phenom left behind. Let’s see how!

Alongside Jordan Chiles, Flo-Jo remains a timeless muse for icons and athletes of color

Sha’Carri Richardson, also bound for the Paris Olympics like Jordan Chiles, has praised Flo-Jo for inspiring her style on the track, from her long nails and bold makeup to her ever-changing hairstyles. Sha’Carri told the Associated Press on June 17, “Flo-Jo came to the track and knew she was going to dominate.” The Paris Olympian gearing up to get gold in the 100m said, “The way she did that was graceful. I always liked that. If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails.” But that’s not all.

In 2018, Beyoncé dressed up as Flo-Jo for Halloween, paying close attention to the details, including the iconic one-legged Adidas leotard in fluorescent purple and Flo-Jo’s black wavy hairdo. Like Queen Bey, tennis queen Serena Williams has also noted Flo-Jo’s impact. At the 2021 Australian Open, Serena Williams made a bold statement with a striking multi-colored, one-legged pink and black catsuit, capturing the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Serena expressed her admiration, saying, “I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete when I was growing up.” Flo-Jo’s influence even extended to the NBA. In the 1990s, she designed for the Indiana Pacers, introducing longer shorts, stretchable fabric, and V-neck jerseys. Even stars like LeBron James and athletes like Angel Reese and A’Ja Wilson embrace her iconic style by sporting bold one-legged catsuits on the court. What do you think about Jordan Chiles’ heartfelt homage to the track queen Flo-Jo, reflecting on the lasting impact she created? Share your thoughts in the comments below!