IOWA Magazine | 05-24-2023

Star Hawkeye Runners Set the Pace for Style

1 minute read
Iowa All-Americans Myreanna Bebe and Julien Gillum are as fashionable as they are fast.
Myreanna Bebe and Julien Gillum PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH Hawkeye track stars Myreanna Bebe and Julien Gillum show off their favorite accessories—their Big Ten championship medals.

When University of Iowa track and field standout Myreanna Bebe won a Big Ten indoor championship this past season in the 60-meter hurdles, she did it with some added style. The senior from Orlando, Florida, turned heads with a school-record time—and a wave of bright pink hair flowing behind her.

While student-athletes in some sports are hidden behind helmets, caps, and other gear, track and field offers a bit more freedom for personal expression. Runners can sport accessories like necklaces, bracelets, headbands, sunglasses, and piercings. “It’s really about what makes you feel good,” says Bebe, whose teammates jokingly refer to her as a real-life Bratz doll.

Myreanna Bebe PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH Myreanna Bebe wears a special medallion necklace from her mother, which she also wears when she competes.

On race day, the All-American wears a silver necklace with an inscribed message from her mother, as well as a piece of jewelry that her late older brother once gave to her mom. She also adds earrings, waist beads, and manicured nails for an added confidence boost.

All-American sprinter and hurdler Julien Gillum is another Hawkeye known for his fashion savvy. The Biloxi, Mississippi, native and 2022 Big Ten outdoor 400-meter hurdles champion often dons a couple of chains and bracelets from his large collection for meets. “You can’t really change anything about the uniform, but jewelry is something that adds a little spark and makes you stand out,” says the UI senior.

Myreanna Bebe PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH Julien Gillum shows off his Big Ten championship rings.

The team’s resident sneakerhead, Gillum owns several dozen pairs of shoes, including extensive collections of Jordans and Air Force 1s.

Even more meaningful for Bebe and Gillum is their ink. Bebe has several tattoos that pay tribute to her late brother and father, while Gillum has an Interstate 10 sign on his right thigh to remind him of his Southern roots and how far he’s come. “It’s a constant reminder to keep going in the direction I want to go,” he says.

Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.

More From Hawk Couture:

Surbhi Saxena

Walk it Out Fashion Show Celebrates Iowa’s Cultural Threads
The annual UI student event packs the IMU to spotlight international style.

André Wright

New Iowa City Fashion House Empowers Black Creators
Founded by a UI alumnus, the Wright House of Fashion hosts design programs and gives aspiring artists the tools to become cultural changemakers.

Molly Kresse

For Clothing Upcyler Molly Kresse, Green is the New Black
The recent UI graduate creates handmade pieces through thrifted materials and organizes a local flea market.

Anna Wolle

Iowa Law Student and Seamstress Builds a Case for Fashion
Anna Wolle hopes to one day open a legal practice to help arts organizations and fellow creators.

Kaelen Novak

Iowa Theatre Graduate Explores the Frontiers of Digital Fashion
Kaelen Novak uses motion-capture technology to create stunning costumes for real and virtual stage productions.



More From Hawk Couture:

Surbhi Saxena

Walk it Out Fashion Show Celebrates Iowa’s Cultural Threads
The annual UI student event packs the IMU to spotlight international style.

André Wright

New Iowa City Fashion House Empowers Black Creators
Founded by a UI alumnus, the Wright House of Fashion hosts design programs and gives aspiring artists the tools to become cultural changemakers.

Molly Kresse

For Clothing Upcyler Molly Kresse, Green is the New Black
The recent UI graduate creates handmade pieces through thrifted materials and organizes a local flea market.

Anna Wolle

Iowa Law Student and Seamstress Builds a Case for Fashion
Anna Wolle hopes to one day open a legal practice to help arts organizations and fellow creators.

Kaelen Novak

Iowa Theatre Graduate Explores the Frontiers of Digital Fashion
Kaelen Novak uses motion-capture technology to create stunning costumes for real and virtual stage productions.


Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.
Related Articles

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.