Reason behind women’s Olympic water polo suits explained

Observers of the women’s water polo costumes will have noted some uncomfortable features that have now been explained.

Everyone has been wondering why the water polo swimsuits are so tight. Pictures: AFP

Anyone that has watched or particularly played water polo understands it’s probably the aquatic world’s most brutal sport.

While their swimming and diving counterparts face their own challenges, they pale in comparison to the physicality required above and especially below the water in polo.

Similar to taking a glance at a rugby dressing room after battle, water polo players often sport the scratches, bruises and torn clothing of a sport requiring as much strength and stamina as it does good hands and swimming ability.

There are good reasons for those unique cossies. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

Which brings us to the swimsuits worn by female swimmers at this year’s Olympics in Paris.

Onlookers may have noted the women’s suits are extraordinarily tight, complete with a full back rather than straps and the type of atomic wedgie to make the biggest schoolyard bully proud.

While the men can get away with the traditional male briefs, women need to prevent their opponents from having any piece of clothing to clinch, pull or even tear.

Many women opt for a suit that is a solid size or two smaller than they would usually don or would typically be considered fitting or comfortable.

That lack of comfort has been worth it so far for the Stingers. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

That wedgie also has another practical role, allowing swimmers room around the tops of their thighs to perform the constant, exhausting treading of water that keeps them upright in the water and able to perform their physical feats in attack and defence.

So the next time you’re ripping out some laps in the pool or diving over that first wave at the beach in your choice of cossie, spare a thought for the attire required by elite water polo players.

The outfits will be unmistakeable when Australia's Stingers take on Spain on Saturday night for a shot at Olympic gold.

The Aussies side produced a sensational comeback to defeat the United States 14-13 in a shootout victory in their quarter-final on Thursday.

Spain's tight-fitted Spaniards stand between Australia and a gold medal. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

Against an American team that had only once finished outside the top two at the Olympics, the undefeated Stingers held their nerve and have reached their first Games gold medal match since their incredible triumph at Sydney 2000.

The Stingers had already won two shootouts during the group stages in Paris and that experience played its part in the nailbiting triumph.

All five takers were successful with their first attempt, until Gabi Palm continued her incredible match by saving the US’s final penalty and booking their place in the gold medal final.

Now this Aussie side, complete with those eye-watering costumes, has a chance to stand atop the Olympic podium once more.

Originally published as Reason behind women’s Olympic water polo suits explained