After leaving the water, athletes quickly shower at the poolside shower and dry themselves with a small towel.
Many spectators are curious about the actions of athletes during competitions at the pool, according to CNN.
After jumping into the pool, many quickly leave the water to shower. Even though their bodies are wet, they proceed to dry off with a small towel. This is done even though they will quickly get wet again in the next competition.
To answer the question of why athletes shower after each competition, CNN reached out to the diving coach at Ball State University in Indiana for insights.
Showering Immediately After Exiting the Pool
Coach Jacob Brehmer stated: “Athletes shower after swimming and diving to keep themselves warm. They usually shower with water warmer than the pool water.” The International Swimming Federation (FINA) mandates that indoor pools must maintain a water temperature of at least 26 degrees Celsius.
Typically, after competing, athletes have to wait a considerable amount of time before their next event. The temperature upon exiting the pool can feel a bit cold, so athletes use the shower to keep their muscles warm.
“When they are cold and their muscles are tense, it can affect their performance,” Jacob Brehmer said.
After leaving the water, athletes quickly shower. (Photo: Buzzfeed).
Additionally, the pool water contains chlorine, which can be harsh on the skin and cause it to dry out quickly. Showering helps wash off the chlorine and rehydrate the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and maintaining skin health. This is particularly important for divers who spend a lot of time in the water, as prolonged exposure to chlorine can lead to skin issues.
Moreover, athletes often develop habits that help them feel comfortable and prepared. For many divers, showering has become an integral part of their competition routine. This familiar action can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in the high-pressure environment of a diving competition, helping them stay calm and focused.
The Purpose of Using a Small Towel
Staying warm is also a reason why athletes use a small towel to dry off. Coach Jacob Brehmer noted that these small towels are easy to carry and absorb moisture very well.
This factor allows athletes to dry off quickly and keep their bodies warm. Staying dry means being safer during competitions.
When athletes perform diving, they need to hold their legs tightly. If their bodies are wet, there is a higher chance that their hands will slip, affecting their performance.
Showering habits help them keep their bodies warm. (Photo: CNN).
Additionally, keeping muscles healthy is crucial. Therefore, athletes often wear wraps on their knees, backs, or shoulders.
This type of elastic bandage is similar to those used by volleyball and tennis players, helping to alleviate pain in muscles, joints, and ligaments.
