olympics

From Olympic records to famous blond locks, there are some ladies who have left their mark well beyond the locker room. Real life wonder women like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Michelle Kwan, and Danica Patrick have changed history, our view of jocks, and even our wardrobes. Each in their own way, these 10 athletes are just as inspiring as they are iconic — proving it is OK to be fit and feminine.

Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Georgia May Jagger, and a slew of other famous British models turned the London Olympics closing ceremony into one of the world's most-watched runway shows Sunday night. The models — each clad in different metallic gold designs from some of the best designers working in London — were wheeled into the ceremony inside billboard-sized photos of themselves while David Bowie's song "Fashion" filled Olympic Stadium. The images were stripped away to reveal the live models, who walked to the center of the field to glitter and pose in front of the very global audience for a few moments before walking out.

"It's such an amazing platform for the brand, having billions and billions of people watching," said Christopher Kane, who spent some 80 hours working on the coat and pants Stella Tennant wore during the ceremony. "That's another reason why I wanted to do something different, instead of a dress."

Sam McKnight, who worked on the models' hair, observed that the closing ceremony "was about British icons, not just athletics." Jourdan Dunn, who walked the runway in a dress by Jonathan Saunders, called the evening the "highlight of my career so far." Karen Elson said she couldn't "begin to express how much I love Naomi, Kate, Georgia," and the other models who walked with her. Makeup artist Val Garland called the fashion portion of the show "the best moment ever!"

Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Erdem, and other British fashion houses also created outfits for the occasion. A look at who wore what here in the gallery.

Gabby Douglas took home gold for Team USA in London last night, soaring to the top spot in the gymnastics all-around competition. The 16-year-old edged out Russian gymnasts Victoria Komova and Aliya Mustafina, as well as her own USA teammate Aly Raisman, who just narrowly missed out on a medal coming in fourth place. After the historic evening, Gabby Googled herself and talked to reporters about making history, saying, "The all-around matters to me. People keep saying I'm the first black American to win the [all-around] gold medal so I [thought], yeah, I forgot about that. It was amazing. I feel so honored . . . It's a barrier-breaker, and I think that it just says something more about it." And about her moment on the podium she said, "That was awesome, seeing the flag raised and you're on top and the national anthem just playing. You feel like you're in a concert. All these flashes . . . I'm living on cloud nine."

Gabby had her family, including her emotional, beaming mom, in the stands and the gold medalist was also getting tons of support from celebrity fans. Oprah tweeted her support of Gabby, joining the likes of Elizabeth Banks, Samuel L. Jackson, fellow Olympian Michael Phelps, and so many more. Beyonce even wrote Gabby a personalized congratulations on her website, thanking Gabby for "inspiring all of us!" Gabby is just starting to soak it all in and the publicity whirlwind is already full steam ahead — Gabby Douglas is already on a Corn Flakes box!

Prince Harry was back in his patriotic gear to watch men's diving at the Aquatics Centre in London yesterday. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were also in attendance. Harry's been popping up at multiple events during the Olympics, including the equestrian competition, which his cousin Zara Phillips participated in. He's just one of many royals making the rounds during the Games, since Prince William and Kate Middleton have been out and about as well. William checked out soccer with David Beckham over the weekend, gymnastics with Harry, and today tennis with Kate. We're looking at all the pictures from the Olympics throughout the Games and also checking out behind-the-scenes snaps from celebrities and athletes, so keep coming back for the latest.

Kate Middleton was in Stella McCartney once again to join her husband, Prince William, at the Olympics today. It was the same blue frock that Kate wore nearly two weeks ago to an art opening at the National Portrait Gallery. William and Kate cheered on Great Britain's Andy Murray as he played in the quarterfinal of men's singles tennis against Nicolas Almagro of Spain. They're both big fans of Andy, having rooted for him during Wimbledon in June. Kate and William really got into the action, and even did the wave! Both royals have been busy supporting the Olympic Games, stepping out for equestrian and gymnastics events in recent days.

The Olympics Games opening ceremony is tonight, and in honor of the first day of competition tomorrow, Michelle Obama has called on families around the country to support American athletes by getting active in their own communities. As part of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative, Saturday, July 28 is officially Olympic Fun Day. You can check out the details — and a cool video from the first lady — on the Let's Move! site and find an Olympics-inspired Meetup in your area. Or you can take the initiative to get active at the playground (Let's Move! has some tips) or even in your own backyard!

Need some help? Check out the superactive backyard Olympics party sent to us by Jamie Diersing, founder and creative director of Egg2Cake. An obstacle course — including a sack race, tug-of-war, and body bopping — and a simple but creatively labeled food table will inspire you to create your own budget-friendly Olympics Fun Day with ease!

Source: Egg2Cake

The intersection of fashion and sports has long been a favorite among photographers and stylists — particularly when it comes to the use of athletic equipment as props. Boxing gloves, racing bikes, parallel bars, fencing swords . . . you name it, it's definitely been paired with McQueen or Wang for the Vogues, Elles, and Bazaars of the world.

What better time than now, on the eve of those fantastical feats of competition and strength we call the Olympics, to take a look back at some of the chicest of sports-themed editorials and campaigns to ever grace the glossies? After all, with uniforms designed by Stella, Ralph, Ferragamo, and Hermés — not to mention a closing ceremony that will be packed with more supermodels than seems humanly possible — this year's Games are bound to be more fashionable than ever before.