MetaChat - The Olympic Q&A Thread

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05 August 2012

The Olympic Q&A Thread I've got questions, maybe you've got answers? Step inside. Let's all share our questions about the Olympics→[More:] Some things I've been wondering:

*Why do the runners slow down so much before the finish line? They seem to particularly do this in qualifying heats. Doesn't every second still count?
*Why doesn't trampolining get more press? That shit looks AWESOME.
*Why are divers so attached to those little towels?

What do you think, folks?

post by: ThePinkSuperhero at: 22:01 | 9 comments

1. The first however many number of runners move on from each heat, then whatever slots are left are based on time. So if you know you're going to finish first or second, you can slow down at the end to conserve energy for the next race.

2. Because every kid would want one. It's a conspiracy of parents keeping it down.

3. To snap them at opponents butts. It's almost like a second competition.

posted by rainbaby 06 August | 05:53

Why do they wear clothing? The original Olympics were in the nude.

posted by Splunge 06 August | 07:51

AMEN, brother.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 06 August | 07:52

*Why doesn't trampolining get more press? That shit looks AWESOME.

Whoa, wait, trampolining is an Olympic sport? We were JUST joking about how great that would be and also making plans for the day when we can afford a big sprawling house which will OF COURSE have a room that is all trampoline: no floor, no furniture, just open the door and BOOM, TRAMPOLINE. I plan to live in there 24-7.

posted by Elsa 06 August | 13:13

Actually I'm curious: how come Serena Williams womped Sharapova so badly? Was there an injury we weren't told about? Sharapova has beaten her in the past, I always thought they were much more evenly matched. Hmm.

Every Olympics I vow to vacation in Canada for the superior TV coverage, and every Olympics my lazy self does not do so. Next time, I swear.

posted by Melismata 06 August | 15:22

Why are there five rings but only three medals?

posted by Eideteker 07 August | 04:35

Runners will also slow down to avoid giving away too much information about how fast they are capable of, as long as they can be certain of qualifying.

posted by dg 07 August | 04:51

People, people!

It's pronounced TRAMAMPOLINE.

posted by Madamina 07 August | 10:00

Why do only some male gymnasts shave their armpits? Is there some sort of advantage to this or is it just a style choice?

posted by jessamyn 07 August | 11:32

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