Tom Daley Olympics 2008 diving

Question

Tom Daley is an awesome diver but i have been wondering for a while as do my friends what are those black bands for on each of his wrists are they something to do with his diving or does he just choose to wear them?

Answer 1

Wrist bands (and taped wrists) help divers cope with the force of impact at the water surface (e.g. it keeps swelling down). You'll notice that more platform divers wear them than springboard divers due to the greater force of impact.

Answer 2

While many platform divers tape their wrists or use wristbands to ameliorate or prevent injuries from punching through the surface of water at high speeds (such was sprains and swelling) younger platform divers like Tom, who are still growing, especially need to protect the growth plates at their wrists from damage that could deform or weaken the bone.  This is why his bands are so sturdy and why he wears them so consistently in competition.

Answer 3

lucky charm