Can anyone explain the rationale behind blue eye shadow and gymnastics?

Question

I'm watching the girls' gymnastics competition from the Olympics right now and the girls (most of them) have these horrible blue slashes of color under their eyebrows. Does it make them jump higher, run faster, fly through the air? It seems to be the younger girls (but not exclusively so). I just find it very distracting. It's all I can seem to focus on. Anyone else? Outside of that, they are performing brilliantly.

Answer 1

It's a homage to the 80's...just be thankful they thought twice about the leg warmers.

Answer 2

I think it is like any performer it is done to make them stand out and exaggerates the facial expressions. Esp. in some countries that have a lot of mime type theater. That is my best opinion.