The Best Athlete Halloween Costumes For 2021
Emma Raducanu, Suni Lee, and 12 Other Athletes Who Would Make an Epic Halloween Costume
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
After playing to empty stadiums for the better part of a year — if they were able to play at all – athletes were more than ready to turn the page and kick off the competition in 2021. And wow, has it been a hell of year for sports. We saw history made at the postponed Tokyo Olympics, from Katie Ledecky's historic 1,500-meter gold medal swim to basketball players Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi winning their fifth straight Olympic gold. Athletes shined in other venues, too — who could forget underdogs Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez battling it out at the US Open, marking the first all-teen Grand Slam final in 22 years?
Suffice to say, there's no shortage of Halloween costume inspiration from the world of sports. Learn how to re-create 2021's most talked-about sports moments in the slides ahead.
Katie Ledecky
In Tokyo, three-time Olympian Katie Ledecky added four medals to her already impressive collection, including a record sixth career individual gold — more than any other woman in her sport. Here's how to dress up as one of USA Swimming's biggest stars.
- American Trends One Piece Swimsuit ($30, originally $33)
- TYR Katie Ledecky Silicone Adult Swim Cap ($15)
- TYR Edge-X Racing Mirrored Adult Goggles ($25)
Hunter Woodhall and Tara Davis
Two-time Paralympian Hunter Woodhall and Olympian Tara Davis are engaged! The track and field superstars shared the news just a few months after they stole America's hearts at the US Olympic Trials, where Woodhall famously scooped Davis up in his arms after she qualified for Tokyo. Here's what you and your partner will need to nail the look.
For Hunter:
- Kangaroo Cowboy Hat ($18)
- Fruit of the Loom Short Sleeve Black Crew T-Shirts ($19)
- Nike Flex Stride 7" Brief Running Shorts ($50)
For Tara:
Simone Biles
Simone Biles is undeniably the greatest gymnast of all time, but this year, her advocacy took centre stage, cementing a legacy far greater than any gold, silver, or bronze medal (and she has plenty of those, too). This Halloween, rep her limited-edition red, white, and blue leotard.
Emma Raducanu
Eighteen-year-old Emma Raducanu captured the world's attention when she put on the performance of a lifetime at the 2021 US Open, becoming the first British woman to win a major title since 1977. Here's what you'll need to replicate her championship look.
Carli Lloyd
It's official: two-time World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist Carli Lloyd will hang up her cleats at the end of the NWSL season. Lloyd has worn the number 10 on the US women's national team for more than 15 years, scoring 134 international goals. Pay homage to one of the greatest football players of all time by sporting her jersey this Halloween.
- Nike Carli Lloyd USWNT Home Stadium Jersey ($120)
- Nike Dri-FIT Classic Knit Football Shorts ($18, originally $22)
- AM Landen Knee High Tube Socks ($8)
- OSELEE Non-Slip Elastic Running Headband ($6)
Jessica Long
Swimmer Jessica Long has won an astonishing 29 Paralympic medals since first qualifying at the age of 12. She earned five of those medals this year in Tokyo, so when she was asked to present at the Emmys, Long had the perfect accessory to go with her gold shimmery dress.
- Flounce London Wrap-Front Mini Dress ($16, originally $67)
- Gold Medal With Ribbon ($1)
Allyson Felix
Five-time Olympian Allyson Felix scored two Olympic medals in Tokyo, becoming the most decorated Olympian in women's track and field history. Off the track, she's a true champion, constantly using her platform to bring awareness to the inequities women — and especially mothers — face. If you're feeling inspired (obviously), here's how to re-create her podium look.
Naomi Osaka
Viewers around the world cheered when it was finally revealed that four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka would light the Olympic cauldron in Tokyo. Get the party started this Halloween by drawing inspiration from her opening-ceremony look, complete with a homemade or inflatable torch.
- Nike Dri-FIT Academy Football Top ($25)
- Nike Dri-FIT Academy Knit Football Shorts ($22)
- Gejoy 3-Piece Inflatable Torch ($9, originally $13)
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe
Look up couple goals in the dictionary, and you'll find basketball star Sue Bird and her fiancé, USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe. This legendary pair cheer each other on from the sidelines as much as their schedules will allow, and this summer in Tokyo, that meant that Rapinoe got to watch as Bird won a record fifth Olympic gold. Here's how you and your partner can re-create their sweet celebration.
For Sue:
- Nike Team USA Sue Bird Jersey ($100, originally $110)
- Nike Swoosh Fly Basketball Shorts ($35)
For Megan:
Tatyana McFadden
Tatyana McFadden made the podium three times at the Tokyo Paralympics — bringing her career Paralympic medal count to 20 — then turned around and raced four major marathons this fall, placing first and second in Chicago and Boston, which took place on consecutive days. Badass? We think so.
- Nike Dri-FIT ADV Team USA AeroSwift Running Singlet ($60, originally $80)
- UA Authentics Crew ($55)
- Base Camp Adult Bike Helmet ($30)
Carissa Moore
In September, just weeks after she captured the first-ever Olympic gold medal in surfing, Hawaii native Carissa Moore won her fifth World Surf League championship. It's safe to say she's had a pretty rad year. You'll get cool points, too, if you can convince some friends to hoist you atop their shoulders this Halloween.
- Wet Effect Short Sleeve Rash Guard ($30)
- UA Tide Chaser Ankle Leggings ($52, originally $65)
- KBETHOS Original Low-Profile Baseball Cap ($10)
- Anley 3x5 Foot Hawaii State Flag ($6)
Suni Lee
Gymnast Suni Lee is conquering the world one flip (and one fabulous dress) at a time. Lee won gold in the Olympic women's all-around competition just two months ago, and since then, she's attended her first Met Gala and become a contestant on the current season of Dancing With the Stars. Below, find everything you need to re-create her iconic gold Met Gala dress.
- Homdor High Low Pleated Satin Skirt ($66)
- YiZYiF Metallic Sleeveless Crop Top ($10)
- Cribun 3-Pack Gold Metallic Leather Hair Scrunchies ($13, originally $26)
- Fashiontats Temporary Olympic Rings Tattoo ($10)
