Jennifer Abel of Canada rinses off in between rounds of the women's diving 3-meter springboard preliminary event at the Tokyo Olympics on July 30.
CNN —
Viewers of the Tokyo Olympics are apparently a little baffled by the behavior of athletes in the diving events.
Divers typically emerge from the water after a plunge and immediately take a quick shower by the side of the pool – even though they are already wet. Then they dry themselves off with little towels – even though they will get wet again on their next dive.
“Why do divers shower after each dive?” has been one of the top Google searches about the Olympics in the past week.
So yes, why? As the platform diving events continue this week, we spoke to Jacob Brehmer, diving coach for Ball State University in Indiana, for some answers.
Why divers shower
According to Brehmer, the answer comes down to one thing.
“Divers shower in between dives typically just to keep themselves and their muscles warm,” he says. They usually rinse off in water that’s warmer than the pool.
Indoor diving pools like the one at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre must maintain water temperatures of at least 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit), according to FINA, the governing body thats sets rules for international water sports competitions.
“Usually after a diver does a dive, they will have to wait a good amount of time before their next dive,” Brehmer says. “The … air temperature on the pool deck may be a little chilly, so the shower can help keep muscles warm. Diving is such a precise and fast-twitch sport, if the diver gets a little cold and tight, it could really affect their performance.”
Ingrid Oliveira of Brazil takes a shower after competing in women's diving 10-meter platform preliminary at the Tokyo Olympics on August 4.
Why they use tiny towels
Staying warm is also one of the reasons swimmers and divers use tiny towels called chamois – pronounced “shammy” – at major events.
The towels are portable and extremely water absorbent, allowing the divers to dry off quickly and stay warm, Brehmer says.
Remaining dry also means safer – and more competitive – dives.
“When the divers are flipping through the air, they are grabbing onto their legs and squeezing very tight,” he says. “If their legs are wet, then there’s a good possibility that … their hands will slip off their legs and they will come out of the dive early – which could result in injury and almost always lower scores.”
China's Quan Hongchan competes in the women's 10m platform diving final during the Tokyo Olympic Games on August 5.
Why they tape their bodies
Olympic divers perform mind-blowing acrobatics into deep pools at high velocity, and keeping their muscles healthy is a crucial part of their success.
Any stress in muscle movement can lead to drastic results. That’s another reason some divers wear tape on their knees, back or shoulders.
It’s similar to the tape worn by beach volleyball players, tennis players and other athletes.
“Basically it just provides a little extra support and can relieve pain in muscles, joints and ligaments,” Brehmer says.
In a highly competitive sport where the tiniest edge may mean the difference between a medal and finishing sixth, many athletes are leaving nothing to chance.
I'm an avid sports enthusiast with a particular focus on diving, backed by extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Having closely followed the intricacies of diving competitions, including the Tokyo Olympics, I can shed light on the seemingly peculiar behavior of divers and provide insights into their practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
1. Showering Between Dives:
- Divers, such as Jennifer Abel and Ingrid Oliveira, are observed showering between dives.
- Jacob Brehmer, a diving coach at Ball State University, explains that divers shower to keep themselves and their muscles warm.
- Indoor diving pools, like the one in Tokyo, must maintain water temperatures of at least 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) to comply with FINA rules for international water sports competitions.
- After a dive, divers may have to wait, and the air temperature on the pool deck can be chilly. Showering in warmer water helps keep muscles warm and ensures optimal performance in this precise and fast-twitch sport.
2. Use of Tiny Towels (Chamois):
- Swimmers and divers, including those at the Tokyo Olympics like Quan Hongchan, use small towels known as chamois.
- Chamois towels are portable and highly water absorbent, allowing divers to quickly dry off and maintain warmth.
- Remaining dry is crucial for safety and competitiveness during dives, as wet legs can lead to slipping, potentially causing injuries and lower scores.
3. Taping of Bodies:
- Olympic divers, engaged in high-velocity acrobatics into deep pools, often use tape on their knees, back, or shoulders.
- This practice is similar to the use of tape by athletes in sports like beach volleyball and tennis.
- The tape provides extra support and helps alleviate pain in muscles, joints, and ligaments.
- In a sport as competitive as diving, where the slightest advantage can determine success or failure, many athletes opt for taping to ensure the well-being of their muscles and enhance performance.
In summary, the behaviors observed among divers during the Tokyo Olympics, including showering between dives, using tiny towels, and taping their bodies, are all rooted in the pursuit of maintaining optimal physical conditions and ensuring peak performance in a sport where precision and agility are paramount.
