We’re declaring it now: Summer 2024 is officially the Summer of Champions. Here at Well+Good, we are honoring the remarkable athletes, coaches, and stories behind the Paris Olympics and the U.S. Open tennis championships. Join us as we shed light on everything from the fitness regimens and self-care practices of today’s top athletes to the broader cultural conversations inspired by this summer’s extraordinary events.
Fact: All eyes are on Sha’Carri Richardson as she prepares to hit the track. And for good reason. Not only is she the fastest woman in the world, guaranteeing an electrifying performance as soon as the starting pistol goes off, but Richardson’s unique style, including her noteworthy hair, full lashes, and flashy nails, makes her one of the most captivating runners to watch in every competition. Richardson will be making her Olympic debut representing the United States on August 2 in Paris in the preliminary round of the women’s 100-meter run. Before she graces the world’s stage, I had the opportunity to sit down with Richardson’s nail artist, Kinaya Haug, who provided me with an inside look at how she crafts intricate designs for the sprinting superstar.
Oftentimes compared to the late track star legend Florence Griffith Joyner, Richardson proves that being an elite athlete does not require sacrificing style. Just like Flo-Jo, known for her iconic acrylic nails, Richardson and Haug are paving the way for a new generation of art for athletes and fans to draw inspiration from for years to come.
Experts In This Article: Kinaya Haug, a celebrity nail artist based in Eugene, Oregon, first gained recognition when she created Richardson’s nails for the Nike Prefontaine Classic in 2023. Fast forward to the 2024 Olympic Trials, where Haug was tasked with creating three different nail sets for Richardson and hosting a nail bar for all participating athletes. For Haug, collaborating with Richardson not only marks a remarkable career achievement but also a significant cultural moment.
When designing nails for one of the top runners in the world, the pressure is on. Haug was given only two guidelines by Richardson: extra-long nails and no dark colors. The rest was up to Haug to unleash her creativity and concoct a design that would stand out on the track. After seven hours of meticulous work, Haug produced a set of press-on nails adorned with various ornaments that caught Richardson’s eye, although they were perhaps a tad too long initially. Haug quickly adjusted to Richardson’s preference, crafting two additional nail sets for the semi-finals and finals with distinct styles for each round of competition.
Despite the time and creativity required to bring these designs to life, the real triumph for Haug lies in combining art and creativity with sports with elite athletes like Richardson. As Haug pursues her goal of becoming a leading nail technician for Olympians, the partnership between Richardson and Haug signifies a broader trend towards athletes showcasing their beauty routines and the positive impact it has on their performance.
Catch Richardson and her dazzling nails in action during the women’s 100-meter prelims on August 2. Follow Well+Good’s ongoing Olympic coverage with our Summer of Champions series to stay up-to-date on all the exciting events. NBCUniversal is the official U.S. broadcaster for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with coverage also available on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and other NBC networks.
