Explain why some swimmers shave their bodies before a race.

To reduce resistance in the water

Shaving the body before a swimming competition is a common practice among many swimmers. This habit is motivated by the desire to reduce resistance in the water. Indeed, body hair can act as small "water traps", thus increasing resistance during swimming. By shaving, swimmers can reduce this resistance and improve their hydrodynamics.

Studies have shown that the presence of hair on the body can disrupt the flow of water around the swimmer, creating an additional drag. By shaving, swimmers can minimize these turbulences and promote a smoother movement through the water. This can result in an increase in swimming speed, as less force is needed to move through the water.

In addition to reducing resistance, shaving can also allow swimmers to better feel the water on their skin. This can improve their perception of swimming technique and help them adjust their position and movements in the water more easily. Thus, by shaving, swimmers seek to optimize their performance by minimizing obstacles that could slow down their progress in the water.

To improve performance

Shaving the body before a swimming competition can help improve swimmers' performance. Indeed, by removing hair, water resistance is reduced which can result in an increase in speed. High-level swimmers are always looking for ways to optimize their performance, and body shaving is a common practice in this field. Reducing drag is a key element in swimming faster, and shaving helps minimize this negative effect. Experienced competitors pay great attention to every detail that can impact their performance, and body shaving is one of these small gestures that can make a difference during a race.

For a better feeling of speed.

The sensation of speed experienced by a swimmer can be influenced by the presence of hair on the body. When a swimmer shaves, they may feel a smoother glide and an increased perception of speed. This sensation is due to the smooth surface of the skin which reduces friction with the water, thus promoting a more pronounced feeling of speed.

Studies have shown that reducing the resistance caused by body hair can contribute to a better perception of speed while swimming. Indeed, hair can act as mini-turbulences that disrupt the flow of water around the body, which can give the swimmer the impression of slowing down. By shaving, the swimmer may therefore feel an improvement in their perceived speed.

Furthermore, shaved skin allows for direct contact with the water, which can enhance the sensory perception of movement and accentuate the feeling of speed. This more immediate connection between the swimmer's body and the water can create a more dynamic and stimulating experience, thus improving the sensation of speed while swimming.

In conclusion, shaving the body before a race can contribute to a better sensation of speed for the swimmer by reducing resistance in the water, improving sensory perception of movement, and promoting a smoother glide sensation.