Why in the olymic swimming before they get in they splash there face with water

Question

Why in the olymic swimming before they get in they splash there face with water

Answer 1

so they r used to the water and the suit goes better in the water in the dive.

Answer 2

Its to help the nerves. Swimmers have little "routines" that they do to get rid of nerves before big meets. It's mostly to just calm down. For me I i sorta stretch my neck and flex my shoulders. I've noticed for Phelps he likes to listen to his I-pod, shake his arms, when he's on the block he swings his arms and he pulls his cap down and smooths it out.

It could be for some other reason but that's what my coach told me.

Answer 3

So there body can get adjusted a little better to the water temperature.  I think it also helps there suit stick closer to them so there is less drag when getting in the water initially.