Even though the Olympics wrapped up over two weeks ago, the buzz from Paris is still going strong. In a sport where athletes are typically celebrated for their grit and talent, Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green recently shed light on a less discussed aspect: appearance. While it might be controversial—many sportswomen prefer recognition for their skills rather than their looks—Green praised the sports world’s new focus. He highlighted how female athletes are now celebrated and recognized for both their outstanding performances and their beauty, moving beyond traditional standards. “I love how we’re finally giving our women their flowers,” Green told Gatlin. He added with a grin, “The crazy thing is, we been knew that though!”

Justin Gatlin said how women evolved their style alongside their world-winning performances has been the key. The fifth fastest man of all time recalled how track and field‘s popularity has grown in the mainstream in the last two decades. “They used to come with slick back hair, almost look like they got the Vaseline on their face just bit eyeliner. Just to make sure that it looks presentable for television,” said the Olympic gold medalist.

“Now these ladies look like they’re on a Maybelline commercial,” the 42-year-old said on the Ready Set Go podcast. Justin Gatlin’s statement was meant as a compliment to the women driving the track and field’s popularity. Rodney Green agreed the women in track and field aren’t just smashing records but doing so while upping their style quotient on the track, only drawing more eyes to the sport.

Gatlin reminisced about his racing days when most viewers tuned in because they had a personal connection to the athlete—family, friends, or acquaintances. Only a few stars, like Usain Bolt, attracted a global fan base. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically thanks to iconic female athletes who’ve crafted their own brands.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce turned heads with her ever-changing hairstyles. Sha’Carri Richardson upped the ante with her signature nail art. And let’s not forget the world record legend Florence Griffith Joyner, who revolutionized the sport with her one-legged catsuits, extravagant nails, and wavy hair. “I don’t even know what event this is, I’m just watching lane-5. Whoever this is right here,” Gatlin said, marveling at the increased interest. It’s clear that women in track and field—and almost every other Olympic sport—are not only making waves with their performances but also outpacing the men in stats!

The rise of women in track and field and other sports

On August 24, U.S. Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall discussed the rise of women’s sports. During her interview with 13 Sports, the interviewers revealed that women have won more than half of the gold medals for Team USA. Woodhall celebrated the significant milestone because Paris 2024 achieved gender parity for the first time in Olympic history.

However, Team USA women have outpaced the men in total medals even when fewer women participated in the Olympics. In fact, U.S. women have earned more medals since Rio 2016 according to Forbes. Among the 34 track and field medals Team USA earned in Paris, women earned more, especially when it came to gold medals.

Yet it’s not just the USA, top Olympic medalist nations such as Australia and China have seen a similar trend. China had the widest margin, with 66% of Olympic medalists being women. So it’s not surprising to see legends such as Justin Gatlin praise the rise of women in the sport. If things continue to follow this trend, then this is only the beginning of the rise of women in sports. Reflecting on these stats and the insights from Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green, what are your thoughts on how women in track and field are revolutionizing the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!