Met Gala 2026: Venus Williams, Alysa Liu lead athlete fits

The 2026 Met Gala had no shortage of athlete presence Monday.

With “Costume Art” as this year’s theme, the event brought notable names and outfits alike to New York. Alysa Liu, Angel Reese and Lindsey Vonn were among the celebrities to put their most fashionable foot forward, with eye-catching looks including Naomi Osaka’s unique fit.

Athletes were well-represented in putting on the 2026 Met Gala from the start. Tennis star Venus Williams is an event co-chair, and WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, ballet dancer Misty Copeland and Paralympian Aimee Mullins are part of the host committee.

Here are the most memorable athlete looks from the 2026 Met Gala.

Venus Williams

Williams opted for an all-black look with a diamond encrusted necklace.

Alysa Liu

Coming off an figure skating gold medal in the 2026 Olympics, Liu wore a red dress with ruffled layers on the bottom.

Olympic gold medal figure skater Alysa Liu makes her way to the Met Gala ⛸️✨
📸 Andy Kropa/Invision/AP pic.twitter.com/XLuwFT6JNU
— espnW (@espnW) May 4, 2026

Lindsey Vonn

Just under three months after suffering a complex left leg fracture at the Winter Olympics, Vonn walked the carpet at the Met Gala.

Naomi Osaka

The tennis star’s all-white attire included red leaves sticking out, including on a white hat. Osaka then took off the jacket and hat to unveil a red dress at the top of the Met Museum’s steps.