Olympic nails, face paint and extensions: do they medal or meddle?

When Sanya Richards-Ross won the women’s 400 meter, we wondered if she might not have broken world records sans hair and jewelry. But like Flo-Jo before her, maybe there is power in accessorizing. Richards-Ross wore Chanel earrings and a long blonde mane as she sped across the finish line.

Here, she reaches out with diamond-clad fingers to hug teammate Deedee Trotter, who claimed a Bronze medal with her American pride displayed…in face paint.

Destinee Hooker of USA Women’s Volleyball fame isn’t shy about decorations, while Kerri Walsh of women’s beach volleyball wore a thumb ring when she pummeled the Italian team.

Venus Williams’ attempt at patriotism isn’t too shabby.

But everyone is pretty tame compared with Olympic running champion Flo Jo. Don’t mess with those nails.

Still, when male swimmers like Michael Phelps are shaving their bodies to be more competitive, one wonders if female athletes may (at times) be hampered by the trappings of femininity. What do you think? On your mark, set, GO!