American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has shared his perspective on why track and field athletes not only excel in athleticism but also in physical appeal, following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin lauded the athletes’ appearances, emphasizing, “I am talking both guys and the girls. There is no other sport that gives the physique that track and field builds.” His comments reflect the unique combination of power, grace, and aesthetics that the sport nurtures.
Gatlin noted the evolution of style in track and field, particularly among female athletes, who have embraced a more glamorous presentation over the years.
“If you put a face card with these ladies from around the world, and this is different. Back on our day, they used to come with slick back hair almost like they got the vaseline on their face and a bit of eyeliner on just to make sure it looked presentable for television,” he remarked, contrasting the past with the current era.
He then compared today’s athletes to models, adding, “Now these ladies look like they are on a Maybelline commercial. They look like little Barbie dolls running.”
Gatlin’s observations are spot on, especially considering the stunning displays of both athleticism and beauty at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The event showcased athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Masai Russell, who not only excelled on the track but also captivated global audiences with their confidence and style.
On the men’s side, athletes like Noah Lyles, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, Karsten Warholm, Marcell Jacobs, and Kishane Thompson similarly left lasting impressions with their striking looks and glamorous personas, further solidifying track and field’s reputation for combining top-tier athleticism with aesthetic appeal.
For Gatlin, this blend of athleticism and beauty is what sets track and field apart from other sports.
“Your hommies on TV, when they see that a race is on and they click and see you, they will be like ‘hold on’,” he added, highlighting how the sport captivates viewers beyond just the competitive action.
Beauty in track and field has become the thing since the legendary Florence Griffith Joyner, whose iconic one-legged catsuits, extravagant nails, and flowing hair revolutionized the sport in the late 1980s.
“I don’t even know what event this is, I’m just watching lane-5. Whoever this is right here,” Gatlin reminisced.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, much like the era of Flo-Jo, demonstrated that track and field is as much about visual allure as it is about speed and strength, making it one of the most captivating sports in the world.
