2024 Olympics in Paris: Why do divers get in a hot tub after diving?

During the Olympic Games, fans observe strange practices that athletes are used to carrying out. These can come before and after the event, but behind all of these curiosities lie watertight reasons for why they are performed.

In diving competitions, it is common to see participants take a dip in a jacuzzi right after their dive, but why do they do this?

The reason why jumpers use a hot tub

The main reason is to relax the muscles and keep them at an adequate temperature: the water in the pool is cold, which means that when they jump in, their body begins to lose temperature. This can damage muscles, as well as affect performance.

Upon entering the hot tub or jacuzzi, the diver, in addition to maintaining an adequate temperature, sees their muscles relax: this keeps them flexible and therefore able to continue participating.

Why do dives shower after a dive at the Olympics?

Jacob Brehmer, diving coach for Ball State University in Indiana, told CNN that “divers shower in between dives typically just to keep themselves and their muscles warm”.

“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.”

Indoor diving pools must maintain water temperatures of at least 26 degrees Celsius, and the shower water is usually slightly warmer than that of the pool. The chamois - the tiny towel they use - are also incredibly water absorbent and help keep the divers warm while they’re out of their natural habitat.