Shaving refers to when athletes shave body hair prior to a big competition, particularly in swimming. This allows them to move more streamlined in the water and sense the water better.
Although the physical advantage remains relatively small, the huge mental boost that many swimmers attest to comes after shaving. They shave their legs and arms and in some cases, the entire body. It is often done for triathletes or those swimming long distances as part of the tapering phase when the athlete prepares to excel. Smooth skin eliminates friction. More critically important, however, is the fact that the process prepares the athletes psychologically for the competition day.
