Why do swimmers wear a coat before competing in the swimming pool?

Despite the heat, swimmers have been snapped wearing huge parkas during the day, with the USA team pictured in huge coats by the pool.

The heat in Paris is making the news, with the athletes reportedly complaining about the lack of a proper air conditioning system in the Olympic Village. Despite that, the coats are still here, so why? Are the Americans just really cold or do they serve a different purpose?

The reason Olympic swimmers wear winter coats before races

Swimmers wear a coat before competing in the swimming pool as it helps to regulate their body temperature ahead of the event. As well as increasing their core body temperature, the coats also warm their skin, which can lead to increased oxygen and blood flow, allowing them to generate more power and speed from each stroke. Starting from outside the water means an uncovered body would start in a cooler state than the temperature of the water (normally between 25-28ºC, 77-82ºF).

It’s why athletes also slap their arms and legs ahead of getting in the pool, as well as wetting their wetsuit. It’s so their body/suit is as ready as it can be before going into the water.

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British news outlet The Independent cites a study in 2018 from the European Journal of Sport Science that found that “competitive swimmers who wore warm clothing prior to their race performed about 0.6 per cent better than those who did not”. Some others have suggested that the benefit could even be psychological, as it helps mentally prepare the athletes for action.

Viewers in the United States will be able to watch Paris 2024 on NBC Olympics, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock, as well as NBC sister channels including CNBC, E! and USA Network. Aside from Peacock, your streaming options will include fuboTV, which offers users a free trial. Stream the Olympics live on fuboTV. At AS USA, you’ll be able to follow a live blog with the latest medal count.