What is the purpose (what do they do) for the people in the blue suits at the olympics in swimming?

Question

What is the purpose (what do they do) for the people in the blue suits at the olympics in swimming?

Answer 1

They're the judges. They like determine if the swimmers touched the walls or not.

Answer 2

They are not only judges for starts and turns but they're also the back up timers. If the touch pads malfunction then the back up is a 'push button' that is located at each block.

I'm surprised no swimmer or ex-swimmer pointed that out for you.

Answer 3

They are like staff members, help maintain the pool good and provide any needs for the swimmers.

Answer 4

to make sure that the swimmers touch the wall and make sure the make a legal turn

Answer 5

They are lane judges to verify the starts and finish, as well as watch for reasons for disqualifications.

Answer 6

They are judges watching that the swimmers are not cheating (for example, false starts, crossing lanes, using the proper strokes, touching the walls/making turns properly, and so on).