Florence Griffith Joyner is more than just a popular name in the world of athletics. Apart from her sprinting prowess, she was known for her exquisite fashion sense. Competing in one-legged spandex bodysuits, with hair weaves and 4-inch painted nails, made her known as a pop culture phenomenon. Now, taking forward her bequest, World Champion Noah Lyles is all girded up to make his mark in the world of fashion with his own strides. But his romance with fashion all began with a $300 T-shirt when he was a teenager.

Noah Lyles does not shy away from trying new things and taking up new challenges. In fact, he has repeatedly made it apparent that he loves to stand atop the podium, all while flaunting his incredible track-and-field finesse. Now, after clinching three golds and surpassing Bolt’s record, Noah Lyles is smashing into the world of fashion just like Flo-Jo.

Noah Lyles and the continuation of Flo-Jo’s iconic style

Flo-Jo had a stunning but stunted career. Several people still wonder about the things the fastest woman could have achieved had she played the sport even more. Most of them even argue that Shericka Jackson would’ve had an even more impossible challenge before her. However, the sprinting icon had already made it apparent that she had achieved enough as a sprinter.

Now, following her footsteps, Lyles recently made several fashion statements by getting a whole new aerodynamic haircut. He is pretty much the next FloJo of track and field when it comes to donning fashion. He loves getting his nails done and has been doing so for the past 16 years. Several other athletes have also taken inspiration from the evergreen style of FloJo like Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

This is clearly visible in the way they style their nails and the colors they wear. Noah Lyles has recently ignited a debate by advocating for the integration of fashion into athletics, similar to its presence in other sports. But is it because he is a big star now? The answer is no. As teenagers, he and his brother would hang out at a local mall and often window-shop at the fancy boutiques, including AllSaints, a British high-fashion brand.

“I remember looking at one of the shirts and it was like $300,” he said. This introduced him to luxury shopping. Soon, the athlete started using fashion as a way of expressing himself. It is now an integral part of his identity. His 2021 Met Gala appearance is a testament to this.

Gen Z loves a good outfit. With the rise of social media, athletes have redefined their roles and Lyles is at the forefront. He himself said it, “I don’t need to be seen as a track and field athlete. I think I need to be an influencer.” He understands how contracts and sponsors can elevate him to more than just a runner. But this is something Flo-Jo realized a long time ago.

Flo-Jo’s fashion bequest continues to make waves

Flo-Jo’s records have stood the test of time for 35 long years. She became an icon for style and fashion, and her popularity touched the sky. This happened at a time when social media wasn’t even a concept. The former hair-and-nail technician was vibrant and colorful in her choices.

Her legendary nails grabbed the most attention from people. Nails can easily go horrible if not done right, but this wasn’t a problem for Flo-Jo. And long before athleisure was a thing, Flo-Jo dazzled her fans with one-legged tracksuits. She saw fashion as a part of her performance in front of the crowd, not a distraction. 

She inspired several stylists and athletes with her unique, dazzling, and aesthetic fashion sense. But she didn’t stop there. She continued pursuing fashion by launching her own line and designing the uniforms of the Indiana Pacers. In fact, her timeless artistry inspires athletes even today, just like Noah Lyles.

He is actively spearheading this movement, having made significant strides in this direction. He participated in Paris Fashion Week, sharing the runway with several renowned supermodels. Can Noah Lyles be the next Flo-Jo or Allen Iverson of athletics?

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