Florence Griffith-Joyner was a track star and a style icon. Her eye-catching signature look featured legendary long nails with bold colors. Her nails became as famous as her lightning-fast sprints.
In a sea of pastel manicures and French tips, Flo-Jo's vibrant claws stood out. They challenged norms and celebrated Black beauty. Every race became a runway for her latest nail art creation.
Want to know more about the woman behind the world-famous "Flo-Jo nails"? Let’s take a closer look at this trailblazing trendsetter.
“Dee-Dee,” the Record Setter
Florence Griffith-Joyner, known to her family as Dee-Dee and the world as Flo-Jo, was more than just a track star. She was a bright star taken all too soon, but she leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Born with a need for speed and an eye for style, Flo-Jo turned heads at the 1984 Olympics. While she snagged two silver medals, it was her four-inch red nails that really got people talking.
Here's a little-known fact: Flo-Jo wasn't just a fan of nail art - she was a pro. While training for the Olympics, she worked part-time as a nail technician. This experience fueled her passion for elaborate nail designs.
In Seoul in 1988, Flo-Jo set the 100m and 200m world records that are still standing today, over three decades later. For those 1988 Games, she created a patriotic set - red, white, and blue, with two gold nails for good luck. And it worked--she brought home three gold medals and a silver.
From the track to the nail salon to the design studio, Flo-Jo's talents knew no bounds. She designed her own track outfits plus uniforms for the Indiana Pacers in the early '90s.
Moreover, Flo-Jo's influence continues to shine brightly. Her nail art and exemplary performance has inspired everyone from athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Serena Williams to music superstars like Beyoncé and Cardi B.
Flo Jo Nails
Nails of a Champion
These are the famous 1988 Olympics nails that Flo-Jo created. At the time, acrylics were the popular choice for long nails. However, she typically grew out her natural nails and didn’t need extensions.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have strong, long nails. If you prefer to sculpt your manicures, we have an amazing selection of acrylics in stock from various manufacturers. You can find any color under the sun as well as stunning glitter and confetti powders.
If you want to go straight for the gold, we’ve got an impressive collection of gold polish in several brands and finishes, including gel, lacquer, and dip powder.
Acrylic & Powder Dip Nails
DND Gel Nail Polish Duo - 910 Morning Gold
The Warm-Up in 1984
Here you can see Flo-Jo in Los Angeles wearing the four-inch red claws on her left hand. (The right hand side was shorter). Bold red nails were in style, but her extreme look brought them to the forefront.
How could someone achieve this length today? We suggest using poly extension gel. It’s lighter but just as durable as acrylics. It’s also more flexible and easier to work with. It won’t harden until it’s cured in a nail lamp, so there’s no rush. Since it’s odorless and comes pre-mixed, it’s more pleasant to use.
Poly Gel
Black Tips
Did you know that Flo-Jo’s nails are so stylish that the Guggenheim Museum featured them in an exhibit? Chances are, they were probably painted with lacquer. You can guess how long it took to achieve the detailed designs she sported. Imagine if she had access to line art gels and a nail lamp.
Line Art Gels
This colorful Flo-Jo manicure is a gorgeous contrast to the typical style of the times. Admittedly, she was no stranger to controversy.
Flo-Jo's world records have stood for three decades. But her dramatic improvement between 1987 and 1988 raised eyebrows, with some suggesting performance-enhancing drugs played a role. No one bothered to consider her change in training exercises. Plus, she never failed a drug test and vehemently denied the accusations.
The debate intensified after her untimely death in 1998 at age 38, with speculation about potential long-term effects of doping. Instead, the autopsy found she had a birth defect that led to the seizure she suffered that fateful night. She’d had prior seizures as well.
No concrete evidence has ever appeared to discredit her achievements. The International Olympic Committee and World Athletics continue to recognize her records, cementing Flo-Jo's legacy as the fastest woman in history.
Homage to Flo-Jo
Her nail legacy lives on today. When we see the manicures flaunted by Cardi B., Malibu Mitch, and Saweetie, we picture Flo-Jo smiling at their colorful extensions.
Nail artists scroll through the old photos to find inspiration for their own homage to Florence Joyner-Griffith nails. Here’s one now that celebrates the gold medal winning manicure from 1988:
Beyoncé
Beyoncé dressed up as Flo-Jo right down to the orange, white, and blue nails.
Sha’carri
Sha’Carri Richardson, slated for the 2024 Paris Olympics, has clearly stated that she admires Flo-Jo for her both her speed on the track and her iconic style. FYI: This athlete, however, uses Gel-X extensions instead of acrylics or growing out her natural nails. The soft gels give her more flexibility to change up her style.
Build Your Own Gel X
Conclusion
We hope Florence Joyner-Griffith will inspire you to reach your goals whatever they may be. Give yourself permission to innovate and pursue your dreams. Flo-Jo’s nails were never held back by convention.
While you plan your next look, check out our New Arrivals for the hottest colors and trendiest styles. Fill up your cart because we have complimentary gifts for orders over $35 and free shipping over $75.
Source: https://www.biography.com/athletes/florence-joyner#early-life-of-a-collegiate-champion