Can Olympic Athletes Wear Jewelry During Competitions? Highlighting the 5 "Jewelry Queens" of the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially begun. In addition to the thrilling sports events, the unexpected highlights created by athletes wearing jewelry on the field are also worth noting!
The Paris 2024 Olympics are in full swing! Returning to Paris after a century, the 2024 Games are more captivating with a fashionable and diverse perspective, aligning perfectly with the annual slogan "Games Wide Open." This year, keen-eyed viewers might have noticed athletes wearing "jewelry talismans" during the broadcasts and sideline news of the Paris Olympics!
In essence, jewelry, which serves a decorative purpose, seems to have a subtle opposition to the pursuit of peak physical performance in sports. This has even sparked discussions in some world-class sports events due to "jewelry bans" for participants (e.g., Lewis Hamilton and F1). However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not have specific regulations on athletes wearing jewelry in the Olympic Games; instead, athletes must comply with the rules set by the international sports organizations governing each event. For instance, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) explicitly prohibits athletes from wearing any jewelry or hair accessories during games, while the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) allows female artistic gymnastics competitors to wear only stud earrings. As the world focuses on the Paris 2024 Olympics, it's worth paying attention to the subtle style details of athletes as they compete.
Jewelry as a Highlight on the Olympic Stage
Nowadays, the idea of athletes wearing jewelry during competitions is no longer a big deal for many. As long as it doesn't affect fair competition, the safety of others, or the event itself, jewelry can be seen as an extension of an athlete's personal style or intention, adding another layer of interest when watching the games. As the Paris 2024 Olympics heat up, let's highlight some athletes whose jewelry choices make them stand out beyond their professional achievements.
Paris Olympics "Jewelry Queen" #1 Tai Tzu-Ying / Event: Badminton
Renowned not only for her exceptional badminton skills, Taiwanese athlete Tai Tzu-Ying also grabs attention with her jewelry. The Paris 2024 Olympics mark the final chapter of her career, and her Instagram posts from the opening ceremony show she is fully prepared for a dazzling farewell. The eye-catching bracelet on her right wrist, identifiable by its unique clasp, appears to be from Fred's Chance Infinie series. The infinity symbol represents luck and endless possibilities, embodying the public's well-wishes for her "golden journey" in this Olympics.
Tai Tzu-Ying's jewelry talismans:A gold bracelet with her name, a Redline string ring, and a Cartier Trinity bracelet.
In media interviews, Tai Tzu-Ying has expressed that she considers her everyday jewelry as companions, providing her comfort and confidence on the court. Her Tokyo 2021 Olympic appearance was adorned with several notable pieces, including the gold bracelet with her name, a Redline string ring, and a Cartier Trinity bracelet, showcasing her distinctive layered style with bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Paris Olympics "Jewelry Queen" #2 Chan Hao-ching / Event: Tennis
Tennis is one of the sports most closely associated with fashion, having given birth to timeless items like the Polo shirt and even a jewelry style named after it (the tennis bracelet). Representing Taiwan in the women's doubles, the "Chan sisters," Chan Yung-jan and Chan Hao-ching, naturally carry forward the stylish atmosphere of international tennis events.
- Chan Hao-ching's jewelry talismans:Cartier nail bracelet, Trinity bracelet, and Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet and necklace.
Chan Hao-ching, who recently announced this will be her last Olympic appearance, confidently showcases her jewelry choices on the court. Her preference for classic styles is evident from her collection of iconic pieces, such as the Cartier Juste un Clou nail bracelet, Trinity bracelet, and Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra series bracelet and necklace.
Paris Olympics "Jewelry Queen" #3 Simone Biles / Event: Gymnastics
After withdrawing from the previous Tokyo Olympics, American "Gymnastics Queen" Simone Biles makes a strong return at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming to lead the U.S. team to reclaim the women's gymnastics team championship.
- Simone Biles' jewelry talisman:Diamond earrings from her mother.
A legendary figure and record holder in gymnastics, Biles' striking attire embodies the perfect blend of strength and beauty. Under competition regulations, diamond earrings have become her go-to highlight. These earrings hold deep emotional significance, being a gift from her mother when Biles first competed in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2013, and have since become her lucky charm on the field.
Paris Olympics "Jewelry Queen" #4 Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce / Event: Track and Field
Participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jamaica's "Pocket Rocket" Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters, having set multiple records in the 100m and 200m events. Her exceptional speed isn't her only standout feature.
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's jewelry talismans:Diamond ring, Richard Mille watch.
Fraser-Pryce's unique hair colors, dramatic nails, and the large diamond ring on her ring finger always make her a focal point on the track. Her influence extends beyond sports into the fashion world, becoming a brand ambassador for Richard Mille and announcing she'll wear the RM 07-04 automatic sports watch at the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding another layer of excitement to her final Olympic performance.
Paris Olympics "Jewelry Queen" #5 Rayssa Leal / Event: Skateboarding
At just 16, Brazilian "Skateboarding Angel" Rayssa Leal gained a massive following with her adorable presence during the Tokyo Olympics. She currently has over 6.5 million Instagram followers. This young star has collaborated with Nike for a signature shoe line and recently became the first Brazilian ambassador for Louis Vuitton, gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar Brazil.
- Rayssa Leal's jewelry talismans:Symbolic necklaces, earrings.
The relatively relaxed dress code in skateboarding provides Leal a perfect stage to showcase her style. Her layered earrings and symbolic necklaces exude a vibrant street style, capturing the dynamic spirit of the sport.