DW: This doesn't surprise me, our government still uses carrier pigeons I think...feels that way sometimes...
Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics are not only vying for podium spots but also aiming to break world records. So far, only one record has been broken in swimming, with Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle setting a new 100m freestyle record at 46.4 seconds. This is a big contrast to the six records set at Tokyo 2020 and eight at Rio 2016, showing a significant drop in record-breaking performances.
But a quirky rule impacts swimmers who break records: they must submit their achievements via fax to be verified by World Aquatics, the sport's governing body. Despite the modern era, fax machines remain essential for record verification at the Olympics.
Other unusual rules include boxers needing to be clean-shaven, gymnasts being forbidden from wearing vibrant nail polish, BMX riders tucking in their shirts, wrestlers carrying handkerchiefs for blood, and water polo players having their toenails checked to prevent scratching. The Olympics certainly have their fair share of quirky regulations!
Source: LAD Bible