2024 Olympic Games: Iconic Fashion Moments from History That Will Be Unforgettable

Updated on July 22, 2024, 10:31 AM IST

In 1996, Michael Johnson stunned in gold Nike shoes at the Atlanta Olympics, winning both the 200m and 400m. Mongolia’s stylish 2024 Olympic uniforms combine heritage and fashion, while Cathy Freeman’s Nike Swiftsuit and Johnny Weir’s flamboyant skating costume remain unforgettable.

The Best Fashion Moments from the Olympics

The year is 1996. Michael Johnson is heading to the Atlanta Olympics to compete in the 200m and 400m. And while you might expect the athlete to opt for something classic and functional, he left the crowd in shock when he stepped onto the stage in gold-plated Nike kicks. And now, in 2024, Team Mongolia is making waves in town, thanks to their fancy SICK uniforms.

Iconic Fashion Moments at the Olympic Games

While the Olympics are a celebration of sport, there’s no denying that they’ve given us some pretty iconic fashion moments. Here, we dive deeper into the moments that are simply unforgettable.

Michael Johnson’s gold Nike shoes in 1996

Michael Johnson’s vision was clear. He wanted shoes that were not only light and stable, but also visually striking. So Nike made him golden shoes that he would later wear to win both the 200m and 400m races at the Atlanta Olympics, cementing his status as one of the world’s best sprinters.

Interestingly, years later, Usain Bolt would break Johnson’s 200m record while wearing gold PUMA spikes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mongolian Olympic uniforms in 2024

Looking ahead to 2024 Olympic Games in ParisTeam Mongolia is gaining quite a bit of popularity for their super cool uniforms. The uniforms consist of intricately embroidered vests worn over long tunics and trousers, decorated with motifs such as the Soyombo, the national symbol of Mongolia, and the Olympic torch and rings made in gold thread. It is a clear example of what you can achieve when you combine fashion with heritage.

An unforgettable Olympic moment, in 2000 she not only won a gold medal for Australia, but also captivated the world with her striking Nike Swiftsuit. The Swiftsuit featured a striking colour palette of green, gold and grey, complemented by a futuristic hood that symbolised innovation and speed.

Famed figure skater Johnny Weir is known far and wide for his flamboyant style on the ice. During the 2010 Olympics, he designed a costume with a corset bodice and daringly showed off his “male cleavage”.

Linford Christie, who represented Great Britain at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, made a memorable fashion statement despite the Games’ official sponsorship by Reebok. Linford opted to wear striking blue Puma contact lenses during his races, a choice that generated considerable interest.