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Not wishing to downplay any of their athletic brilliance, but have you taken a look at America’s female Olympic contenders for the games this summer? These gals are not just extraordinarily talented in their respective sports, but model-stunning as all get out. Save for the occasional press conference, most of our exposure to them takes place when they’re in full-on athletic mode: wearing a swim cap while diving into a pool…bouncing on a balance beam with the requisite ponytail….squinting under a visor on the volleyball court. But one glance at their press pics and you’ll see that they care as much about their hair and their looks as you do. Let’s take a quick peek…and I’ll throw in some of my best hair-care prescriptions for each sport (perfect if you’re active this summer):

Natalie Coughlin: Swimmer

This brunette knockout has blonde highlights, and is clearly blessed with good, naturally-thick hair…and it’s obvious that she cares for it diligently. If, like Natalie, you’re in the pool a lot—and especially if you have color in your hair—please take the extra steps to make sure your ‘do stays healthy. (Remember 1950’s movie star/swimmer Esther Williams? Word on the street is that she actually coated her hair with Vaseline before tucking it into a swim cap to protect strands from the harsh exposure to chlorine.) My PreWash Therapy—infinitely more pleasant than Vaseline—offers a protective barrier and safeguards hair from chemicals; use it on dry hair before swimming (even if you forgo a cap). Another nugget for you: Never, ever leave long hair flowing when you go for a dip. You’re literally allowing it to pick up every caustic chemical in the pool, and subjecting strands to knots that inevitably lead to split ends.

Allyson Felix: Runner

On the one hand, Allyson’s sport—unlike her swimming sister’s--doesn’t do a number on her hair. On the other hand, I’m fairly certain she has it straightened, which does do a number if you don’t keep it in pristine condition. (Allyson clearly knows this, because her hair is gorgeous.) I’d say that perspiration is likely your biggest enemy if you spend time on the track--primarily, because sweat contains salt, which is drying, and can leave locks brittle and susceptible to breakage. My prescription for you, for Allyson, and for any gal who’s running in the sun, is simple: Use a highly moisturizing shampoo (like my System 3 Nourishing Wash), followed by Gel Cocktail, which controls the hair and puts a barrier between you, the sun, sweat, salt, and pollution. It’s also perfect for keeping flyaways tucked into your pony when you’re doing the 50-yard dash. Or just running around town.

Hope Solo: Soccer Goalkeeper

Hope. Great name. As in, “I hope one day to look like this talented and striking athlete.” I’d bet my blow-dryer that she was naturally light-blonde as a child; and she’s continuing to lighten up her base color before adding highlights, which is a very smart thing to do. Nine times out of 10, Hope’s got her long hair pulled back into a ponytail; but when it’s down, it’s in tremendously good condition. If I could suggest one product to her, it would be Minardi Subdue Frizz Restraining Crème--a brilliant choice for anyone who wants hair smooth, up, and out of the face. That’s the goal, isn’t it?

Jen Kessy: Volleyball

I have such fun watching this six-foot, California pro do her stuff at the net; she’s the classic example of an amazon beauty…as skilled at her sport as she is lovely to look at. And if you have hair like Jen’s—long, single-color blonde—all you need to do is keep it conditioned, then focus on smoothing and bringing out the shine with Minardi Color Glisten Drops. This product is my secret weapon; it detangles brilliantly, and adds unbelievable sheen in just seconds. Love the stuff. And her.