The shammy dive
A little towel known as a shammy is an essential piece of equipment for Olympic divers. Eden Cheng, a member of Team GB in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, says, “We use it to wipe water off our bodies so that when we’re doing complicated dives, we don’t slip out of our shapes.” “My hand might slip if I didn’t use a shammy before trying a double somersault because there might still be water on my shins when I grab them.”

Athletes can stay warm in between dives by eliminating extra water from their skin. Cheng explains, “My body fools my brain into thinking I am extra nervous and I start shaking when I am competing and I feel cold.”

In order to relieve pressure on the calf muscles, which are frequently constrained by the tight, form-fitting shape of the clothing, players typically cut holes in their socks.

Socks can be especially tight for athletes with protruding leg muscles, making it difficult for them to breathe and have adequate blood flow and circulation.

Therefore, in an attempt to solve the issue and enhance their performance, athletes frequently move to rip up their socks.

Elite football players are always looking for any small advantage, and if making holes in socks increases the likelihood of avoiding cramps, you can be sure they will do it.