Bearded Olympians: The Greatest Beards to Currently Grace the Games

When the Olympics games were first conceived, way back in ancient Greece, beards were all the rage. While their later inheritors, the Romans, scorned beards, the Greeks had a very different attitude. These athletes and philosophical titans wore their beards with reverence; it was a matter of pride, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment. Only when Alexander the Great came along did the beard fall out of fashion (as the legendary conqueror could not grow one himself).  

Flash forwards a few thousand years, and the Olympics games are once more a renowned date in the calendar. But, just as in Alexander's Day, the beard is no longer as popular as it once was. Yet, there are still a few bearded Olympians of note – and not all of them are weightlifters! 

From the hurdles to Greco-Roman Wrestling, these are some of the most legendary bearded Olympians. 

Best bearded Olympians 

Joe Kovacs (Shot Put) 

Source - www.lehighvalleylive.com

Joe Kovas is a mountain of a man; standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 276-pounds, the Penn State grad is the world's best at throwing a 16-pound ball of metal more than 75 feet. Part of Kovacs's distinctive image is his immaculately groomed beard. Being a bigger guy, his full beard risks appearing like a double chin. But, with a clean, sharp finish, Kovacs avoids this illusion, delivering an impeccable beard. 

Michael Tinsley (400m Hurdles) 

Source - www.austinfitmagazine.com

Michael Tinsley clears three-foot barriers as if he was stepping over a bump in the sidewalk. In fact, he cleared 10 of these barriers on a 400-meter track in a staggering 47.7 seconds. Tinsley is not one to wait or to do anything by halves – that's doubly true for his bead. 

Over the years, Tinsley has sported several different kinds of beards – from overgrown goatees to his classic look. Typically, the middle-distance runner wears a close-trimmed five o'clock shadow with a two-guard on the chin. It's all about the line work with Tinsley – both off and on the track. 

Andy Bisek (Greco-Roman Wrestling) 

Source - www.freep.com

Andy Bisek goes all-in with this classic Tom Selleck look. Ranked in the top ten worldwide for Greco-Roman wrestling, this Colorado Springs athlete knows more than most about the Greek origins of the games. His style isn't traditionally Greek, however. The chevron or magnum is nothing more than a classic mustache. To master the look, you need a little time and a pair of trimmers and a wooden comb. It's pretty damn iconic! 

Jeff Porter (110m Hurdles) 

Source - www.independent.co.ukAfter qualifying third in the Olympic Trials in 2016, New Jersey-born Jeff Porter secured his spot in Rio. This clean-cut athlete sports a popular beard style – the close trim. Unlike other wilder and woolier beards, Porter's facial fuzz is about achieving maximum precision and shaping. Use a straight razor and warm the hair with a towel before attempting this look.  

Daniel Dennis (Freestyle Wrestling) 

Source - www.thegazette.com

Daniel Dennis won the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials, unfortunately losing in the first round to Bulgarian Vladimir Dubov. But while he didn't progress further, his beard did receive some attention. This medium-tight beard is the perfect balance of scruff and grooming.  

Dennis achieved this look first by getting a sizable volume of hair. Once it's sufficiently long, it can be trimmed back closer to the skin. Natural beard lines need to be followed, and being a longer beard, additional grooming with oils and conditioner is a must.  

Honorable mention: Michael Phelps 

Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated Olympians in the competition's history, dominating the pool during his tenure. Yet, while in his aquatic days, he never sported a beard – likely due to the drag – his recent venture in beardcraft created quite a storm online. 

Phelps went for a full beard with a close trim – think Captain America. Across social media, his beard was a major talking point as the swimmer debuted as a broadcaster. Looks like it's gold again for Phelps! 

Who have we missed? Are there any bearded Olympians that need a mention? Let us know!