Fun Facts from the Olympic Arena: Athletes' Little Secrets (Part 2)

Hey, Olympic fans! Are you still immersed in the Olympic fun facts from the last episode? By now, you probably understand why divers always splash water on themselves and the truth behind those mysterious blue drinks. But the secrets of the Olympic stage go far beyond these!

Are you ready to continue our adventure into Olympic fun facts? This time, we'll uncover the mystery behind athletes covered in colorful tape, explore the curious mouth-rinsing habits of boxers, and even find out how horses travel by plane to compete in the Olympics! Sounds amazing, right? Let's dive deeper into these fascinating Olympic secrets!

9. Water Jets at the Diving Pool

The small water jets you often see around the edge of diving pools are called wave makers. Their purpose is to disturb the surface of the water, helping divers judge the distance to the water from the platform more accurately. Some venues use bubbles from the bottom of the pool to make the surface softer, reducing the impact when divers enter the water.

10. Divers Showering Right After

Divers always head straight to the shower after getting out of the pool because the pool water is relatively cold, which can cause muscle cramps. A warm shower helps relieve muscle tension.

11. Swimmers Slapping Themselves

Before a swimming race, you might see swimmers slapping their bodies. This is a warm-up technique meant to promote blood circulation and prepare their bodies for the competition.

12. Lane Assignments in Swimming

Lane assignments in swimming competitions are strategic. Typically, the best performers in the qualifiers are placed in the middle lanes (usually lanes 4 or 5), while the second and third best are placed on either side. This is why you often see the favorites for winning in the middle lanes.

13. Colorful Tapes on Athletes

The colorful or skin-colored tapes on athletes are called kinesiology tapes. These drug-free elastic tapes use physical mechanics to support and protect soft tissues, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain through different tensions, cuts, and taping methods. If you see athletes with a lot of these tapes, it likely means they are under considerable physical strain.

14. Boxers' Mouth-Rinsing Behavior

During breaks in boxing matches, boxers often rinse their mouths and spit out the water. This behavior is called "carbohydrate mouth rinse." It can lower the mouth's temperature while tricking the brain into thinking energy has been replenished, reducing fatigue and thirst. Moreover, avoiding large amounts of water can prevent stomach discomfort affecting the match.

15. The Secret to Synchronized Swimmers' Hairstyles

Synchronized swimmers' hairstyles stay perfect underwater thanks to a special method of hair setting. They use gelatin powder mixed into a sticky liquid, applied to the hair, and dried to form a solid gel that holds the hairstyle in place. While effective, removing it can be quite a task.

16. Transporting Horses for Equestrian Events

How do horses get to the competition venues for equestrian events? By plane! Horses are placed in specially designed stalls, which are then loaded onto cargo planes. Typically, one stall holds two horses, offering space comparable to business class for humans. A veterinarian and a groom accompany the horses to ensure their safety and comfort. Interestingly, horses also need passports and must have microchips for identification.

17. Shouting in Taekwondo

In Taekwondo competitions, athletes often shout loudly while competing, which is not random. Shouting serves multiple purposes: boosting morale, distracting the opponent, regulating breathing, enhancing cardiovascular function, preventing internal injuries, and even increasing striking power. Each athlete has a unique shout, which is part of their training.

Through these Olympic fun facts, we gain a deeper understanding of the various details of athletes' performances on the field. From special equipment to unique competition habits, each aspect reflects the athletes' pursuit of excellence. Notably, we mentioned kinesiology tapes multiple times, similar to the KT Tape Pro Synthetic Kinesiology Athletic Tape used by athletes. This tape not only provides support and protection for athletes but is also a great choice for everyday fitness enthusiasts. It helps alleviate muscle fatigue and supports joints, making it a reliable assistant during workouts.

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These Olympic fun facts not only enhance our viewing pleasure but also deepen our appreciation for the athletes' efforts and dedication. Next time you watch the Olympics, pay attention to these details, and you might discover more amazing aspects of the Olympic charm!