Love It or Hate It? Soccer Star Hope Solo Wore Makeup During Yesterday's Olympic Match

Does It Add Sex Appeal...Or Insult Female Athletes?

Thanks to her memorable stint on Dancing with the Stars and her recent Vogue cover, Olympic soccer goalie Hope Solo is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous female sports stars in America, if not the world.

But did she take the glam thing too far yesterday when the U.S. played (and beat) Columbia? While her teammates went barefaced, Hope appeared to be wearing eyeliner, a touch of blush and possibly even a bit of mascara. In addition, her sleek ponytail looked suspiciously coiffed compared with the unkempt ‘do's of her teammates.

There's no rule saying sport stars can't style themselves as they please - just look at Venus and Serena Williams. But is it sending the message that it's not enough to play well, that female athletes need to look good, too?

The players, for their part, don't see their sex appeal as something that detracts from the sport. Female beach volleyballers, for example, continue to wear bikinis even though the weather is very nippy and there's a new rule that allows for one-pieces.

"It's something I feel empowered by, not distracted with," Team USA player Kerri Walsh told Fox Sports. "I'm not a sex symbol; I'm an athlete. I want to be streamlined out there."

Doing it for themselves - and not their male fans - certainly is an inspiring way to view things. And, frankly, if it makes them feel more confident kicking butt on the field (or the sand) we're all for it.