Jenna Ryu
When you’re competing at a high-stakes event like the Paralympics, being prepared and giving it all you’ve got is the name of the game(s). But the spectacle can also be a golden opportunity to have fun with your look – and this year, plenty of athletes are letting their pride and personalities shine through some seriously creative hairstyles.
The 2024 Paralympics are in full swing, with competitors from across the globe gunning for medals – and looking their absolute best while they’re at it. Lots of Paralympians are embracing whimsical ribbons, bold dyes, and patriotic braids.
Below, we’ve rounded up the coolest hairstyles at the games so far.
1. Lorena Silva Spoladore, Brazil, Para Athletics
Lorena Silva SpoladoreJulian Stratenschulte/Getty Images
2. Ionis Dayana Salcedo Rodriguez, Colombia, Para Athletics
Ionis Dayana Salcedo RodriguezTom Weller/VOIGT/Getty Images
3. Amanda Cerna, Chile, Para Athletics
Amanda CernaTasos Katopodis/Getty Images
4. Husnah Kukundakwe, Uganda, Para Swimming
Husnah KukundakweKristy Sparow/Getty Images
5. Shanshan He, China, Para Athletics
He ShanshanDimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images
6. Thalita Vitoria Simplicio da Silva, Brazil, Para Athletics
Thalita Vitoria Simplicio da SilvaMarco Mantovani/Getty Images
7. Orla Comerford, Ireland, Para Athletics
Orla ComerfordHarry Murphy/Getty Images
8. Cristina Goncalves, Portugal, Boccia
Cristina GoncalvesAlex Slitz/Getty Images
9. Ebru Acer, Turkey, Para Table Tennis
Ebru AcerAitor Alcalde/Getty Images
10. Daniela Velasco Maldonado, Mexico, Para Athletics
Daniela Eugenia Velasco MaldonadoKevin Voigt/Getty Images
11. Brittni Mason, United States, Para Athletics
Brittni MasonMustafa Yalcin/Anadolu/Getty Images
12. Samira da Silva Brito, Brazil, Para Athletics
Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
13. Poleth Isamar Mendes Sanchez, Ecuador, Para Athletics
Poleth Isamar Mendes SanchezMichael Reaves/Getty Images
14. Arjola Dedaj, Italy, Para Athletics
Arjola DedajTom Weller/VOIGT/Getty Images
15. Greta Streimikyte, Ireland, Para Athletics
Greta StreimikyteRamsey Cardy/Getty Images
16. Cristina Poblador Granados, Colombia, Para Powerlifting
Cristina Poblador GranadosDavid Ramos/Getty Images
17. Catarina Joao Guimaraes, United States, Para Athletics
Catarina Joao GuimaraesEzra Shaw/Getty Images
A version of this article originally appeared on SELF.