Why do the olympic swimmers seem to drink or sip the pool water before they swim?

Question

Why do the olympic swimmers seem to drink or sip the pool water before they swim?

Answer 1

Much more efficient than the runners and the cyclists who have to get bottles of it they can just drink as they go along.

Answer 2

I think they are just spitting it out.  

Answer 3

to get used to the water?

Answer 4

"This is to prevent the gag reflex that can occur from accidentally swallowing water while swimming. By tasting the water in advance, the mouth is made accustomed to the taste and quality of the water and its additives."

newuser10231446

That's the correct answer.

Answer 5

They have a lot in their mouths as they swim.  Watch them as they breathe - swimmers are only supposed to lift just enough of their face out of the water to take a breath... which means a lot of water finds its way in.  

They're basically just getting used to it.  :)

Answer 6

they splash it on themselves as well.

they do that so that when they first hit the water on their dive they slide in better, theres less friction if theyre wet than if theyre dry, making it a faster entry by milliseconds. maybe they put a bit in their mouths coz theyre so nervous their mouths are dry lol i dont really know. maybe theyre really putting it on their face for the aforementioned reason but to us it just looks like theyre takin a drink.