As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approaches, Black women athletes are not only preparing to showcase their talents but also to make bold statements with their natural hair. This year’s games promise to be a celebration of cultural heritage and self-expression, with prominent athletes embracing their unique hair textures and styles.
Historically, Black athletes have faced criticism for their hair, but this year’s Olympics will highlight their beauty and resilience. Here are five Black women athletes who are making a statement with their natural hair.
Kendal Ellis
Kendal Ellis, a 28-year-old 400-meter runner, is excited to showcase her kinky hair texture on the grand stage in Paris. After qualifying for the Olympics, Ellis expressed her enthusiasm about her hair being part of her Olympic experience. She plans to wear a sew-in that mimics her natural hair texture, emphasizing the importance of representation. “I want to do a more natural-looking style because I think it’s important to have that representation on such a large stage,” she shared.
Ashleigh Johnson
Ashleigh Johnson, the 29-year-old water polo goaltender, is competing in her third Olympics and has seen a significant improvement in her relationship with her hair since her first Games in 2016. Johnson, who keeps her hair short and natural, plans to wear colorful cornrows under her swim cap to help her glide through the water. She remarked, “Having a protective style is a big part of maintaining my hair’s health right now. I feel like I’m helping my hair. I can reach my hair goals while also competing at this level.”
Johnson also highlighted the camaraderie among Black women in sports over hair care, sharing tips on styles like silk presses and recommending hairstylists and braiders. She enjoys experimenting with her hair and seeing other Black women athletes do the same.
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Brittany Brown
California-born sprinter Brittany Brown, 29, earned a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships and won the women’s 200-meter final at the 2024 World Athletics Diamond League in Norway. As she prepares for her Olympic debut in Paris, Brown, who will compete in the 200-meter sprint, believes in the power of appearance and performance. She pointed out, “If you look good, you run fast!”
Anna Cockrell
Track and field star Anna Cockrell, 26, has been known for her big bouncy curls, often adorned with braids and accessories to keep her hair out of her face. Last year, she decided to cut her loose curls into a short style with tapered sides. Cockrell shared that her new hairstyle has made her feel a lot freer. “I feel a lot freer with my short hair,” she told NBC News. She also revealed her pre-race hair care ritual: “I shampoo twice then condition. I use a hydrating shampoo. I like to go into a race feeling fresh.” Cockrell finds her hair care routine to be almost meditative, providing her with a moment of solitude and focus before her competitions.
Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson, the 24-year-old record-breaking runner, celebrated her comeback at the 2023 U.S. Track and Field Championships by ditching her signature orange wig and showcasing her natural hair. Her braids at the back with loose tendrils in the front marked a new era of confidence and grace. Richardson, in an interview with Vogue, stated, “I’m not gonna change the confidence that I have in myself ever. But at the same time, I have learned there is a way that I can carry that so much more gracefully. That’s where that moment came from.”
These five athletes are not only making their mark in their respective sports but are also redefining beauty standards by proudly wearing their natural hair. Their stories of self-expression and cultural pride at the 2024 Olympics will inspire many and highlight the importance of representation on the world stage.
