The Coolest Hairstyles We’ve Seen at the 2024 Paralympics So Far

This article first appeared in Self.

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

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2. Lorena Silva Spoladore, Brazil, Para Athletics

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3. Ionis Dayana Salcedo Rodriguez, Colombia, Para Athletics

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4. Cyrille Chahboune, France, Sitting Volleyball

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5. Amanda Cerna, Chile, Para Athletics

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6. Yuto Sano, Japan, Goalball

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7. Husnah Kukundakwe, Uganda, Para Swimming

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8. Shanshan He, China, Para Athletics

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9. Thalita Vitoria Simplicio da Silva, Brazil, Para Athletics

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10. Orla Comerford, Ireland, Para Athletics

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11. Cristina Goncalves, Portugal, Boccia

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 01: Cristina Goncalves of Team Portugal competes against Soyeong Jeong of Team Republic of Korea in the Boccia Women's Individual - BC2 Gold Medal Match on day four of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at South Paris Arena on September 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Alex Slitz/Getty Images

12. Ebru Acer, Turkey, Para Table Tennis

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 26: Ebru Acer of Team Turkiye in action during a para table tennis training session ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at South Paris Arena on August 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

13. Nick Mayhugh, United States, Para Athletics

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14. Daniela Velasco Maldonado, Mexico, Para Athletics

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15. David Smith, Great Britain, Boccia

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16. Brittni Mason, United States, Para Athletics

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17. Samira da Silva Brito, Brazil, Para Athletics

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18. David Drahoninsky, Czechia, Para Archery

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 01: David Drahoninsky of Team Czechia reacts after defeat during the Men's Individual W1 Quarter Final Match against Jason Tabansky of Team United States on day four of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Esplanade Des Invalides on September 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Alex Davidson/Getty Images

19. Poleth Isamar Mendes Sanchez, Ecuador, Para Athletics

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20. Christian King, United States, Goalball

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21. Arjola Dedaj, Italy, Para Athletics

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22. Greta Streimikyte, Ireland, Para Athletics

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23. Cristina Poblador Granados, Colombia, Para Powerlifting

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24. Catarina Joao Guimaraes, United States, Para Athletics

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25. Vinicius Goncalves Rodrigues, Brazil, Para Athletics

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