Diving is a frequently celebrated sport in the Olympics, captivating audiences with its precision and the daring heights of the diving boards.
Viewers may have observed that competitors often shower between their dives.
There is a particular reason for this practice, unique to the sport of diving.
One might initially think it is similar to showering before entering a public pool to maintain water cleanliness.
However, this can’t be the case as divers also shower after their dives.
Could it be to rinse off the chlorine from the pool water?
While that would make sense at the end of a day’s dives, competitors consistently shower between dives, so this isn’t the reason either.
So, what’s the real reason divers shower between their dives?
It’s not about cleanliness or hygiene, but rather about optimizing the athlete’s performance.
Anyone who has swum in an outdoor pool or in the sea knows the discomfort of getting out of the water.
A mild breeze becomes chilling when you’re wet.
This temperature change affects muscles.
For most people, it’s a minor issue—perhaps causing cramps—but for an Olympian, even a slight change can impact performance.
This is particularly crucial in a precise sport like diving.
Speaking to CNN during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, United States diving coach Jacob Brehmer explained: “Usually after a diver does a dive, they will have to wait a good amount of time before their next dive.
“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.”
So there you have it, it’s all about ensuring that the athletes remain in peak physical condition and that their muscles aren’t affected by the cold.
And let’s be honest, if the exact position of your limbs mid-air from a 10-meter drop could determine your success or failure, you’d likely be taking those showers as well.