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But sometimes there are some other (lower-stake) happenings that worm their way into our thoughts too.
China News Service/Julian Finney/Clive Brunskill/Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey
And lets just say, weve racked up alotof questions as the Paris Games have been unfolding.
Go ahead, give the list a readwe bet youve had the same burning questions as well.
Why is the track purple?
As for why purple, the answer is simple: The Parisian Olympic Committee wanted to be iconic.
This track gets its bounciness from the Mediterraneanspecificallyground-up mussel and clam shells.
It turns out that the countrysnational colorsare gold and green.
Does the Olympic cauldron in Paris have real fire in it?
According toNPR, this is the first year the Olympic cauldron doesnt contain a real flame.
Whats up with the water polo caps and ear covers?
Whats in that mysterious box medalists get at the podium?
The unassuming cardboard box is about a foot longbut inside theres no trophy, baton, or magical wand.
Turns out its a commemorative Paris 2024 poster.
Why are the Olympics held every four years?
According to theInternational Olympic Committee, time was measured in four-year blocks called Olympiads.
Todays Olympic schedule pays tribute to the ancient calendar.
Why do male gymnasts uniforms look like footie pajamas?
For one, as WFLAreports, the footie pjs are actually stirrup pants and socks.
While demonstrating on different apparatuses, Gunther says it all has to do with safety and judging.
Loose-fitting clothing can be a safety hazard.
It can also just cause us to fall in unexpected ways.
Tighter fitting pants help prevent gymnasts hands from catching on their clothes.
It also makes it easier for judges to see how much their knees are bent during a routine.
Whats that cable that fencers are tethered to?
Isnt it…synchronized swimming?
Why is it now called artistic swimming?
The sport got a rebrand in 2017, when the international governing body changed the name.
So artistic swimming it is.
Why dont male gymnasts perform their floor routines to music?
Something we noticed while watching women on floor: lots of tunes.
When the men hit the mats?
This is why they perform to music, and the men dont.
Mens floor routines were expected to emphasize strength instead.
While theres a lot more power in womens floor now, the music still remains.
Why are swimmers decked out in big puffy coats?
According toSwimming World Magazine,the coat helps keep the athlete warm and their muscles ready to go.
How do gymnasts compete during their period?
The Jamaican athlete also timed her birth control pills to skip her period for competitions.
Why do competitors in archery wear bucket hats?
It seems that many shooting specialists are drawn to the style of hat for its shape and utility.
Writer Seth Rosenthal also pointed out its possible that powerhouse South Korea helped lead the trend.
How do gymnasts avoid wedgies?
They flip and fly with ease and somehow avoid major wardrobe malfunctions.
A proper-fitting leotard is the most effective way to avoid backside discomfort while competing, Diaz said.
How do you get a gymnastics move named after you?
The skill must be performed for difficulty value and meet a certain level of difficulty.
The difficulty value and name must be confirmed following a technical committee analysis of the performance.
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