When watching the olympics, I couldn't help but notice the stubble on Michael Phelp's chin after one of his races (don't remember which one). After that I couldn't help noticing full haired Olympians were the norm more than the exception, and noteably Aaron Piersol(sp?) had tufts of hair sticking out of the back of his cap...
After years of enduring hairlessness, is convention wisdom that this process is no longer neccessary?!
Parents
Former Member
I did notice one or two with stubble on the face and the hair poking out the back; however, almost all were shaved down (i.e., legs, chest, arms. I did wonder though, if hundreths of a second are so critical and if being hairless does make a difference, wouldn't the top swimmers want that stubble off their face. Of course, I understand in prelims a Phelps need not completely shave down because he'll make finals no matter.
I did notice one or two with stubble on the face and the hair poking out the back; however, almost all were shaved down (i.e., legs, chest, arms. I did wonder though, if hundreths of a second are so critical and if being hairless does make a difference, wouldn't the top swimmers want that stubble off their face. Of course, I understand in prelims a Phelps need not completely shave down because he'll make finals no matter.
