Gone are the days when athletes were only recognized for their athletic prowess, or only looked forward to their image on a Wheaties box after Olympic glory. Athletes have transitioned into major actors, politicians and even fashion designers—well that’s debatable.
Consider Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Stratham, Cathy Rigby, and others. Vera Wang was a nationally ranked figure skater before she delved into fashion. 2008 All-Around Olympic Gymnast Nastia Liukin produced the tween line ‘Supergirl,’ for JC Pennys; Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir has designed a women’s collection for eDresseMe.com; Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player Russell Westbrook has collaborated on an athleisure and accessories collection with Barneys, and Serena Williams’ collection Serena Williams for HSN consistently sells out.
With the Rio Olympics just a few days away, Fashion Reverie has assembled 2016 Olympic athletes who are not only formidable competitors but also have a great fashion sense.
You cannot create an Olympic style list without beginning with Serena Williams. As one of the most recognizable and adored athletes of the Rio Olympics, the 22-grand slam champion is expected two win gold again in the singles competition and in doubles with her sister Venus Williams. Whether Serena is showing athletic prowess on the hard courts or flaunting her hourglass, curvy figure on red carpets, Serena Williams reigns supreme in the worlds of sport, fashion, and celebrity, having had several Vogue covers and counting Anna Wintour as a personal friend.
It is the second time around for Cuban American gymnast Danell Leyva. Though he was originally designated to being a replacement athlete to the 2016 Olympic American gymnastic team, after John Orozco’s injury Leyva gets to compete again. This 2012 Olympic Gymnastic All-Around bronze medalist gives good face and body on the horizontal bars and on red carpets!!
Speaking of repeat competitors; the Rio Olympics is Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s fourth appearance. With boy-next-door good looks, Lochte’s has recently gone platinum silver, giving him a fashion edge that goes beyond his typical All-American good looks persona. Lochte has had campaigns and endorsement with Ralph Lauren and Speedo and has appeared on the cover of Vogue.
Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom is one of the swimmers to beat in Rio. This 6`1 blonde beauty looks great in the pool and on the red carpet. Her personal style always shines through. Rio will be her third Olympics.
When it comes to men’s tennis, Rafael Nadal—when he is healthy—is always in the mix. With Roger Federer out with an injury, tennis fans are looking forward to a possible head-to-head match between “Rafa” and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray or Novak Djokovic. This 14-time Grand Slam winner has great style and can count campaigns with Tommy Hilfiger to his credit and in 2009 became the face of Lanvin’s L’Homme Sport cologne. Additionally, Rafa was the face of Emporio Armani’s spring 2011 underwear and Armani Jeans campaigns.
As Bob Dylan would say “ the times are a changin.” And American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad is at the center of change. Ibtihaj Muhammad will be the first American to compete in the Olympics in a hijab. Ibtihaj Muhammad proves that you can be true to your faith and still be beautiful which is evidenced in her style and exquisitely beautiful face.
No Rio Olympics style lists would be complete without including 2012 Olympic All-Around Gymnastic Champion Gabby Douglas. Gabby is back in the fray at another Olympics, hoping to get some more gold medals to add to her stash from 2012. That said; the three-time world champion Simone Biles in her way. Whatever the results, you cannot ignore Gabby’s girlish charm evidenced in covers for Essence magazine and red carpet appearances.
One of the most fashionable athletes in Rio will be Denmark’s tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki. The former No. 1 WTA player has been featured in 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—she stuns in a swimsuit. Wozniacki has her own sportswear line.
—Staff
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