1. Why do Olympic divers¹ use small towels?

 

Olympic gold medalist Laura Wilkinson explains that the name of these little towels are called shammys. The shammy, made out of rayon or poly-vinyl, can hold a lot of water and dry quickly, the former US diver reveals.

 

Divers use shammys in between dives to dry off. Shammys come in handy in between dives because it helps keep your hands and legs dry, and prevents the diver from losing grip when competing.

 

2. Why do Olympic divers get into the hot tub after competing?

 

During the summer 2012 Olympics, The Washington Post's Jennifer LaRue Huget asked former diver and sports psychology² professor David Feigley why some Olympic divers dip in the hot tub after diving. It's simply because the water in the diving pool is chilly³ (which divers don't like) and the hot tub allows them to warm up, relax and focus, he explains.

 

3. Why are there lifeguards at Olympic pools?

 

You may think there is zero chance of Olympic swimmers needing lifeguards. But it's necessary, according to a New York Times interview with Danielle Martelote, the lifeguard supervisor⁴ at the Olympic Aquatics⁵ Stadium. She mentions potential situations they would be needed in, such as if swimmers have debilitating⁶ cramps⁷, heart attacks and head-crunching collisions into the wall.

 

Additionally, a Brazilian law requires lifeguards to be on-site at any swimming pool larger than 20 feet by 20 feet.

 

4. Why do Olympic swimmers splash water on themselves before they swim?

 

You may have noticed that some Olympic divers splash water onto themselves before competing. American swimmer Breeja Larson tweeted "Your mouth feels parched⁸ before races a lot of the time. That's why we splash," according a New York Times article published during the London 2012 Olympics. Splashing water can also help swimmers acclimatize to the cold water.

 

5. Why do swimmers wear two caps?

 

The first reason is that the two caps ensure your goggles⁹ will stay secure. The second reason isn't as obvious. According to Salo, "the outer silicone cap better maintains the shape and does not wrinkle as much, thereby¹⁰ causing less drag." The inner cap is generally latex.

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