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 quadrennial 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. Take Roderick Townsend, for example: The high jumper wore the eyes of Picasso on his shaved head while winning gold over the weekend. “I’m a showman,” he told reporters—and his eye-catching look (paired with his standout performance) made that abundantly clear.
But Townsend isn’t the only one turning heads with his hairdo: Lots of other Paralympians are embracing whimsical ribbons, bold dyes, and patriotic braids. Below, we’ve rounded up the coolest hairstyles at the Games so far.
1. Roderick Townsend, United States, Para Athletics
2. Lorena Silva Spoladore, Brazil, Para Athletics
3. Ionis Dayana Salcedo Rodriguez, Colombia, Para Athletics
4. Cyrille Chahboune, France, Sitting Volleyball
5. Amanda Cerna, Chile, Para Athletics
6. Yuto Sano, Japan, Goalball
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7. Husnah Kukundakwe, Uganda, Para Swimming
8. Shanshan He, China, Para Athletics
9. Thalita Vitoria Simplicio da Silva, Brazil, Para Athletics
10. Orla Comerford, Ireland, Para Athletics
11. Cristina Goncalves, Portugal, Boccia
12. Ebru Acer, Turkey, Para Table Tennis
13. Nick Mayhugh, United States, Para Athletics
14. Daniela Velasco Maldonado, Mexico, Para Athletics
15. David Smith, Great Britain, Boccia
16. Brittni Mason, United States, Para Athletics
17. Samira da Silva Brito, Brazil, Para Athletics
18. David Drahoninsky, Czechia, Para Archery
19. Poleth Isamar Mendes Sanchez, Ecuador, Para Athletics
20. Christian King, United States, Goalball
21. Arjola Dedaj, Italy, Para Athletics
22. Greta Streimikyte, Ireland, Para Athletics
23. Cristina Poblador Granados, Colombia, Para Powerlifting
24. Catarina Joao Guimaraes, United States, Para Athletics
25. Vinicius Goncalves Rodrigues, Brazil, Para Athletics
SELF is your go-to source for all things Paralympics. Follow our coverage of the Paris Games here.
Related:
- 6 Things to Know About Valentina Petrillo, the First Trans Athlete to Compete at the Paralympics
- If You’re Not Following the Perfectly Unserious Paralympics TikTok Account, You’re Missing Out
- 8 Things to Know About Paralympic Guides, Pilots, and Tappers
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