Athletes showcase impressive high fashion

An Olympic athlete’s claim to fame is without a doubt his or her superior athletic ability. These super humans jump higher, run faster and hit harder than most average people. But like many individuals, there is more to these celebrities than meets the eye, and their impressive capabilities on the court, in the pool or at the beach should not be the only achievement for which they are known.

Although most Olympic competitors have a simple uniform they are required to wear while performing that their other team members also sport — whether it be a basketball jersey, a swimsuit or a leotard — they also have their own unique personal style that they show off in their everyday lives.

And just as some of these athletes perform better in their given sport than others, there also are those competitors who know how to dress better than the competition as well.

Despite the fact that he dons a basic swimsuit while speeding through water on his way to the top in the Olympics, 27-year-old Ryan Lochte, a swimmer for team USA, has a unique personal style when outside of the pool that has earned him a good deal of attention.

His hip-hop and surfer-inspired look might not be for everyone, but he sure does make an impression on some, myself included. With a sparkling grill made of diamonds and more than 100 pairs of colorful and stand-out shoes in his closet, Lochte is no stranger to style.

On the court, 25-year-old Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova typically can be seen wearing a comfortable yet stylish tank top and skirt. Off the court, her look is just as fashion-forward – if not more.

Sharapova has been known to incorporate trends, such as color blocking and ruffles into her sportswear garments, as well as her everyday looks. This style and sports icon has been seen in garments created by some of the industry’s top designers, such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

Lochte and Sharapova are just a few of the 2012 Olympic competitors whose extraordinary athletic abilities in addition to their impeccable style earn them popularity and stardom among Olympic viewers throughout the world.