The ritual of Olympic divers seems to repeat itself over and over again on every dive. After they get out of the water, they take a quick poolside shower, dry themselves with a small suede towel, and then jump again often into the pool.
But after all, why do divers bathe every jump? to me CNNThis has been one of the most searched questions on Google over the past week.
Ingrid Oliveira, an athlete from Brazil, takes a shower during a 10-meter platform jump event.
Alessandra Tarantino
Jacob Bremmer, a scuba-diving instructor at Ball State University in Indiana, USA, tells CNN there’s a simple reason: “Divers bathe between jumps to stay warm.” The trainer says that shower water is usually warmer than pool water.
According to the rules of the body that determines the rules for international watersports competitions (FINA), the water in the pool must be at least 26 degrees.
However, the time an athlete can get out of the water between jumps can still be lengthened, says Jacob Bremmer, and a hot bath helps keep the muscles warm, too.
“If a diver gets cold and stressed, it can affect his performance,” the coach explains.
Delaney Schnell, from the USA, waits for her turn to jump off a 10-meter platform.
Marco Djurica
Suede towels have an explanation, too, according to Jacob Bremer. These towels, with their suede feature, are “highly absorbent,” allowing athletes to dry quickly and thus stay warm.
Krista Palmer, from the USA, prepares to jump off a 10-meter platform after drying herself with a suede towel.
USA TODAY USPW
Bremer adds that snorkeling with dry skin also means a safer jump.
“When divers jump, they hold their legs very tightly,” for example, and if they are wet, “hands are more likely to slip.” This can lead to injuries as well as lower grades.
French athlete Mathieu Rosset during a 10-meter platform jump.
Antonio Brunic
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