The Winter Olympic Games are all about showcasing top athletic talent, but they come with some surprising rules. You can get disqualified for wearing the wrong underwear, celebrating too much, or getting help from your coach at the wrong time. Some of these rules seem like they were made during a boring meeting, but they’re real and enforced. Athletes have lost medals because they didn’t pay attention to the fine print. Here are some quirky rules from popular Winter Olympic sports.
Figure Skating Fashion
Did you know that male and female figure skaters have different dress codes? Men must wear pants, while women must wear skirts. If a female skater shows up in pants, she could be penalized. Also, excessive nudity is a no-go for all figure skaters.
Skeleton Competitors
In skeleton, athletes race headfirst down an icy hill on a sled. They don’t have to stay on the sled the whole time, but they must be back on it before crossing the finish line.
Always Swing Second in Hockey
In Olympic hockey, if you throw the first punch, you get a 5-minute penalty. If you swing second, it’s only a 2-minute penalty. So, play it smart!
Snowboarders Spinning Rules
In Big Air Snowboarding, athletes have three runs to impress the judges. They must spin in two different directions on their best two attempts to qualify for a medal.
Drink Up!
Alcohol rules vary by country. Team USA athletes can drink, but not in the Olympic Village.
These rules may seem odd, but they’re part of what makes the Olympics unique!
