Jestena Mattson is more than just a track and field star—she’s a force of confidence, resilience, and style. While her journey as an athlete has been defined by relentless dedication, she also sees fashion as an extension of self-expression, seamlessly blending sports with streetwear. In collaboration with Foxylab, Mattson is stepping into the world of design, proving that performance and personal style can go hand in hand. In this interview, she opens up about the highs and lows of competition, her vision for athletic fashion, and why she believes true confidence is built both on and off the track.
This correlates with my phrase, because even though I didn’t make it this year, I still know that that’s where I belong. I’m just as good, if not better than those girls who I was competing against this year, and I know that. My time isn’t right now, but my time is coming, its all God’s plans, so I just have to trust in him and trust and in my abilities to get me up there, and just be confident as an athlete and a person.
This is so important to me because my college coach said it and every time I was competing and I felt down on myself or didn’t think that I could do something or just wasn’t having a good me, he would remind me: «You’re supposed to be at the highest level of this sport, you need to believe in yourself. Just because you’re having a «bad me» doesn’t mean that you’re a bad athlete. I needed to have this phrase on a bracelet and wear it every single day to remind myself what the goal is and where I belong and that once I get there, it’s going to be just an amazing feeling.
I did design a dress when I was younger, and it was so much fun! I also had a whole lookbook full of styles, that I had drawn myself. And I actually do want to start an athletic-wear company. I want to be able to give back to athletes like myself, be able to sponsor athletes and help them with travel and uniforms, so they can wear, compete and practice in my brand, and also give them a little bit of money so they can pay for their travel and rent. I know how much of a struggle it has been for me so I just want to that light for athletes, who aren’t quiet to the highest level, but are more than capable of getting there, and just have a little bit more to learn. That’s my goal. I will take a little bit of time to take it off the ground, but with the right people we can push it through.
I prefer all types of fashion. I really love just looking at the different pieces that people put together, how things work when you wouldn’t ever expect them to. Sometimes I think of an outfit in my head, and then put it on, and it’s absolutely horrible. I just love every aspect of fashion. If I had to choose, I’m probably leaning more towards street style, because it’s more like my everyday life. I would probably never have an opportunity to wear runway fashion, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to. If I had a chance to wear runway fashion everyday, I would do it!
I wouldn’t really say I have any icons, because I always show up late to fashion trends. It’s never been my big focus to follow trends or having icons, and fashion is just changing so often. Stuff that was popular when I was younger is now coming back, which I love! I think that style and fashion are ever-changing, and I don’t think I will get tired if it.
Absolutely! If you were watching the US Olympic trials, then you know that Shacarri Richardson came out with her orange hair, her nails and eyelashes, and she looked amazing! She’s the fastest woman in America, and she’s going to get a medal at the Olympics. And Queen Harrison goes out in her full glam, earrings, jewelry. I think it is amazing that in track&field we’re allowed to wear jewelry and our hair however we want. Depending on the sponsor you have, you get pretty good freedom to wear whatever you want. A lot of sponsors require certain uniforms, but when it comes to beauty looks, you can do anything you like, and I think it is a big part of fashion: accessories, makeup, hair. You watch NBA or WNBA and they always have a little walk-out to the court before starting the game, and they’re always in cool outfits. I think sports and fashion do go hand in hand, just not in a runway aspect, it’s more of a street style aspect.
