Olympics: Czech Decathlete Adam Helcelet Receives the ‘Mustache of the Games’ Award

Czech decathlete Adam Helcelet, who competed in the men’s decathlon, turned heads at Wednesday’s 100m heats when he stepped onto the track sporting a handlebar mustache.

Helcelet’s facial hairstyle, however, is more than just a trend. The self-proclaimed history buff told World Athletics in a 2020 interview that he began to grow out the look in honor of the Czech Republic’s centennial.

“In 2018 our country celebrated 100 years as a republic, so I wanted to grow my mustache like they wore at that time. My friends hated it, so I love it!” he said.

His love of history led Helcelet and his training partners to launch in 2019 Decathlonpedia.com, an encyclopedia of resources for young athletes to learn about the history and people associated with decathlon in order to “discover the stories of the greatest athletes in the world.”

Meanwhile, on social media, Twitter users noted Helcelet’s “glorious” mustache deserved Olympic recognition.

“Adam Sebastian Helcelet twiddling his moustache into perfect formation ahead of each effort is the level of commitment you want from your Decathletes,” wrote @decathletesofeurope

Adam Helcelet for the “Moustache of the games” award?! pic.twitter.com/OTPUYYQZ64

— Aniket Mishra (@aniketmishra299) August 4, 2021

Adam Helcelet’s mustache is a work of art. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/7IIs4W4NwA

— Chris Nickinson (@chrisnickinson) August 4, 2021

There’s a Czech decathlete with a strong mustache game. #Olympics #Decathlon

— Jay O’Brien (@Jay_OBrien) August 4, 2021

Adam Helcelet.
Czech Republic.
Decathlon Athlete.
Glorious moustache.
Deserves a medal.#Olympics pic.twitter.com/cRjK29SL0k

— Lorenzo De Llama (@stoopid_llamas) August 4, 2021