The Ultimate Podium: Athletes at the Met

Each year on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala turns into the ultimate runway for athletes who trade courts and fields for couture.

Athletes often make the guest list for this exclusive fashion event, reminding us all that style is also a powerful sport. But this year, some of the most talented figures in sports will help tell the story behind this year's theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Inspired by the 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of the Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller, the theme invites attendees to celebrate menswear, suiting, and Black culture through bold looks at fashion’s biggest night.

NBA superstar LeBron James will serve as an honorary co-chair alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, singer Pharrell Williams, rapper A$AP Rocky, actor Colman Domingo, and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Olympic gold-medal gymnast Simone Biles, WNBA icon Angel Reese, and Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson will also be part of the evening’s festivities as members of the host committee—and they’re sure to be joined by other athletes who will bring it with MVP-worthy fits.

With this year’s event just around the corner, we’re revisiting some unforgettable fashion moments from athletes over the years. From Serena Williams commanding the room in gold Balenciaga to Lewis Hamilton showcasing effortless elegance in Burberry, these iconic looks didn’t just turn heads—they set a new standard for what it means for athletes to be fierce, fashionable, and unapologetically bold off the court.

ALLYSON FELIX

When the Met Gala chose “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” as its 2021 theme, it was the perfect year for Allyson Felix—the most decorated track and field athlete of all time—to make her debut. The athlete and founder of Saysh, a footwear brand specifically designed for women, traded her red, white, and blue running gear for an elegant white Fendi gown encrusted in 240,000 ostrich feathers and crystal beads. Pictured above.

SHA'CARRI RICHARDSON

This speed queen rocks any type of runway she encounters, from smashing 100-meter dash records to attending fashion’s biggest night in a Theophilio gown that paired red leather with black fringe. After making her Met Gala debut in 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson is returning this year as a member of the hosting committee—and we can’t wait to see her look.

SERENA WILLIAMS

The tennis legend has been a regular at the Met Gala since she first attended in 2004. Serena Williams has sported numerous bold looks over the years, but last year’s gold Balenciaga gown inspired by the house's 51st couture collection was powerful, complemented by black gloves and Messika jewelry.

VENUS WILLIAMS

Venus Williams has also swapped the court for the Met Gala beige carpet a handful of times. For 2024’s “Garden of Time”-themed party, she rocked a custom Marc Jacobs dress adorned with disco ball-like reflective elements.

ANGEL REESE

As the first WNBA rookie to ever attend the Met Gala, Angel Reese has made a name for herself in fashion. The forward first attended the Met Gala last year on her 22nd birthday in a custom seafoam-colored dress by 16Arlington—and she’ll be back for “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” as a member of the hosting committee.

DWYANE WADE

When the Met Gala dedicated its event to honoring fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld in 2023, Dwyane Wade and wife Gabrielle Union attended in bold monochromatic looks. The retired NBA star was sleek in an all black nod to Lagerfeld’s signature color by Prada.

SIMONE BILES
Eleven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles turned heads at the 2021 Met Gala in a sparkling gown encrusted with so many crystals that it weighed 98 pounds. This year she’s on the hosting committee and sure to turn up in another bold look.

MARIA SHARAPOVA

In addition to her tennis prowess, five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova has cemented her fashion icon status at the Met Gala a couple of times over the years. Last year, she leaned into the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme with a dramatic daffodil-inspired gown by Prabal Gurung.

NAOMI OSAKA

As co-chair for the Met Gala in 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka wore a bold Louis Vuitton ensemble that celebrated her Haitian and Japanese heritage—proving she can serve fashion looks and match points.

NELLY KORDA

Last year, Nelly Korda became the first women’s golfer to attend the Met Gala—and she looked amazing while doing it. The LPGA player and Olympic gold medalist was dressed by Oscar de la Renta in a poppy-inspired dress covered with striking red flowers.

LEWIS HAMILTON

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton’s biggest Met Gala moment will come this year as he represents the sports world as a co-chair. Over the years, the driver has donned bold Tommy Hilfiger suits and bespoke Burberry by Daniel Lee on the Met Gala’s beige carpet.

ODELL BECKHAM JR.

NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. excels in fashion and on the field—and he proves it time and time again at the Met Gala. In 2024, he opted for a double-breasted suit jacket with century-old hand appliquéd embroideries of birds and flowers.

BEN SIMMONS

For the Met Gala’s “Garden of Time” theme in 2024, Ben Simmons swapped a simple watch for an oversized briefcase clock that turned some serious heads. The point guard paired the statement-making piece with a plaid Thom Browne ensemble.