If you already thought diving was super impressive, learning the reason that Olympic divers wear wrist guards might make you even more awe-struck by the sport. On average, an athlete diving from the 10-meter platform (that’s 32 feet above ground) enters the water at a speed of nearly 40 mph. That’s why the Olympic diving pools are so darn deep – the divers are going fast. Fast enough to exert enough force to break bones and dislocate joints, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Not only that, but also competitive divers enter the water with their hands flat, palms down, in order to create the perfect pocket for their body to follow. This is an important element of the scoring – with a successful dive, you’ll see just a small hiccup of water as the diver enters the water, instead of a splash.
While breathtaking to watch, these flat-hand entries can cause repetitive injuries, if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken, such as wrist guards. In a TikTok posted in 2021, 10m diver Brandon Loschiavo (who was added to the Team USA roster for the 2024 Olympics last-minute), says that his wrist guards keep his wrists from “going too far back,” which could lead to a fracture.
Divers’ wrist guards, also sometimes called wrist wraps, often come with interchangeable inserts that let divers modify the level of support they need. They’re meant to fit snug, so the guard doesn’t spin around during the dive and to ensure it’s stabilizing the wrist properly.
Consider this more proof that diving, while beautiful, is not for the faint of heart.
Emily Weaver is an entertainment and lifestyle contributor for PS. Her writing focuses on celebrity relationships, movie and book news, and product shopping guides. Her bylines include PEOPLE, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
