Swimming is a widely popular sport in the Olympics, and this article explores 10 surprising facts about it. Olympic swimmers often urinate in the pool to prevent leaving the water during extended periods. They also wear two caps, with the first tight-fitting, and the other made of silicone to reduce drag. Flip turns weren’t initially allowed in Olympic swimming until the 1950s. Swimmers shave their bodies before a competition to reduce resistance caused by hair. The world swimming record continues to fall as swimmers continuously become faster. Swimmers can get distracted during races, and there are disqualifications for breaking rules. The oldest Olympic swimmer was 97 years old, representing the Bahamas in 2004.
10 Surprising Facts About Olympic Swimming
Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the Olympics, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. However, despite its popularity, there are still some fascinating facts about Olympic swimming that most people are not aware of. In this article, we will explore 10 surprising facts about Olympic swimming.
1. Swimmers Urinate In The Pool
Yes, you read that right. Olympic swimmers urinate in the pool. While it may sound disgusting, it is actually a common practice among swimmers. When you are in the water for an extended period, your body produces a lot of fluid, and it is impossible to leave the pool every time you need to go to the bathroom. Therefore, almost every swimmer pees in the pool.
2. Swimmers Wear Two Caps
If you watch closely, you will notice that Olympic swimmers wear two caps. The reason for this is to reduce drag and increase speed. The first cap is usually made of latex, which is tight-fitting and sticks to the head. The second cap is made of silicone and is slightly larger to reduce drag.
3. Flip Turns Were Not Always Allowed
Flip turns, which involve flipping over at the end of the pool, were not always allowed in Olympic swimming. They were only introduced in the 1950s as a way to make swimming more exciting and allow for faster times.
4. Swimmers Shave Their Bodies
To reduce drag and increase speed, swimmers shave their bodies before a big competition. The reason for this is that hair creates resistance, and shaving reduces this resistance, making it easier to move through the water.
5. Olympic Swimming Records Keep Falling
The world record for swimming keeps getting faster and faster. In 1994, the men’s 100m freestyle record was 48.21 seconds. In 2019, it was 46.91 seconds. The women’s record for the same event stood at 53.30 seconds in 1994 and dropped to 51.71 seconds in 2019.
6. Swimmers Can Get Distracted
Swimming in the Olympics can be nerve-wracking, and distractions can affect a swimmer’s performance. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a swimmer lost her gold medal because her swimsuit slipped during the race, causing her to lose.
7. Michael Phelps Is The Most Decorated Olympian Of All Time
Michael Phelps is the most successful Olympian of all time, with 23 gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals. He has broken world records and set new ones, and his success has inspired many young swimmers.
8. The Fastest Time Is Always The Winner
In Olympic swimming, there are no judges who decide who the winner is. Instead, the swimmer who touches the wall first is the winner. It doesn’t matter if they swim perfectly or make some mistakes along the way.
9. There Are Disqualifications in Olympic Swimming
Swimmers can be disqualified for a variety of reasons, including illegal strokes or false starts. It is essential for swimmers to stay within the rules to avoid getting disqualified.
10. The Oldest Olympic Swimmer Was 97 Years Old
Swimming has no age limit. The oldest Olympic swimmer was 97-year-old Pauline Davis-Thompson, who represented the Bahamas in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Although she did not win a medal, she was an inspiration to many people worldwide.
In conclusion, Olympic swimming is a thrilling sport that requires speed, strength, and endurance. The above facts show that it is not just about swimming laps but also about preparation, strategy, and mental and physical toughness. It is no wonder that it has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.