Toe nail clipping to mandatory handkerchiefs – Olympians need to avoid falling foul of these mad rules you didn’t know existed

The Olympics is fast approaching – but new sports aren’t the only area of the Games fans will be raising their eyebrows at.

Break is one event making its debut at Paris 2024. But as well as learning the rules of new sports, there are plenty of other Olympic regulations that already exist that you probably had no clue about.

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From mandatory handkerchiefs to toe nail clipping – yes, toe nail clipping – the Olympics is packed full of bizarre dos and don’ts.

So without further ado, welcome to the weird and wonderful world of little known Olympic rules that all the stars competing in Paris will try and avoid breaking.

Boxers must be clean shaven

Boxers must be clean-shaven or have very minimal facial hair. This is to ensure any cuts or injuries are easily visible and accessible if prompt medical attention is required.

You can have a pencil moustache, though.

Paris 2024: Boxer Gervonta Davis has been granted permission to go and support Team USA this summer despite currently being on probation.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARIS 2024

Gymnasts cannot wear nail polish

Partial to bold colours on your nails for summer? You’d have to get the nail varnish remover out to compete in the Olympic gymnastics, then.

Gymnasts are required to wear neutral shades only or no nail polish at all to ensure judges can clearly see their nail colour, which can indicate a gymnast’s health. They can wear colourful make-up, though.

Paris 2024: While Team USA superstar and Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles will be avoiding breaking any rules this summer, she will be breaking a 72-year-old Olympic record.

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BMX riders must tuck in their shirts

You would be forgiven for not having extensive knowledge of Olympic BMX – let alone what the riders wear.

It turns out BMX stars must tuck in their shirts, even if they match their trousers. This prevents clothing getting caught on the bike’s moving parts, which would be a huge safety risk.

Paris 2024: Team GB has a reigning Olympic champion in the event after Charlotte Worthington struck gold at Tokyo 2020.

No hanging on the hoop in basketball

Olympic basketball stars, including Team USA star LeBron James, are banned from hanging on the hoop after having a shot. This is both prevent injury and avoid damaging equipment.

However, dunking – a shot that is made by jumping high in the air and pushing the ball down through the basket – is permitted.

Paris 2024: Team USA coach Steve Kerr recently revealed the surprise challenge facing his side and reigning gold medallists at the Olympics.

Swimmers must fax in world records

No, you didn’t just time travel back to the 1980s – but it turns out Olympic swimmers are keeping fax machines in business.

If a swimmer sets a world record at the games, they have to submit it via fax for it to be verified by the sport’s governing body, FINA, as it’s not automatically recorded.

Paris 2024: Team GB’s Adam Peaty is aiming for glory once again this summer after he became the first British swimmer to win gold in back-to-back Olympics at Tokyo 2020.

Wrestlers must carry a handkerchief

Wrestlers at the Olympics have to carry a hanky when they compete. Think less Kleenex, and more old fashioned hanky.

This is called a ‘bloodrag’, and it must be carried somewhere on their uniform while competing. This is, as you might have guessed, to clear up any blood shed while in the ring.

Paris 2024: Cuban wrestler, the legendary Mijain Lopez, will attempt to be the first-ever athlete to win five gold medals in the same event this summer (130kg Greco-Roman wrestling).

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Water polo players must have toe nails checked

Make sure to bring your clippers to Paris, Olympian water polo players! The referee checks every athlete’s toes before a match.

This is to prevent any scratches on other players or on the athletes themselves from happening in the water.

Paris 2024: The sport has been an Olympic event since 2000 and the US women’s water polo team are targeting a fourth successive gold medal.

Karate competitors must have clean hair

Schedule your hair wash night on the eve of your match, karate competitors. The referee has the authority to disqualify any athlete whose hair is insufficiently clean.

This is to reduce risk of transmitting infections and diseases during close-contact combat. Get that Head & Shoulders out, guys!

Paris 2024: After making its debut at Tokyo 2020, karate will not feature at this summer’s Games. Baseball-softball has also been dropped.

Beach volleyball uniform clash solved by coin toss

The dreaded kit clash is simply solved by the flip of a coin in beach volleyball. 

If teams arrive in identical colours, the side that loses the coin toss will be the one asked to change their outfits to make sure the sides are easily identifiable.

Paris 2024: Beach volleyball players play barefoot to improve their grip.

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Cyclists socks can only got up to mid-calf length

If you think the uniform policy for Olympic cycling is rock up in lycra and a helmet and you’ll pass with flying colours, think again!

Socks cannot extend beyond mid-calf length and are subject to measurement. This is to maintain fair competition and aerodynamic consistency. Long socks can provide an aerodynamic advantage by reducing drag. Who’d have thought?!

Paris 2024: Team GB cyclist Katie Archibald is missing the 2024 Olympic Games after breaking her leg in a freak accident.

Equestrians must be silent

Those competing in horse-based events at the Olympics must keep schtum whilst competing.

At the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, Swedish equestrian Bertil Sandstrom was penalised by being demoted to last place for clicking his tongue, which he argued was due to his saddle, not an attempt to control his horse.

Paris 2024: Snoop Dogg fell in love with equestrian at Tokyo 2020 when he was amazed by dressage, hilariously renaming it ‘horse crip-walking’.

talkSPORT will be be bringing you live coverage of the Paris Olympics this summer. We will showcase more than 250 hours of live coverage across our network, with Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes among our legendary line-up of pundits. Listen to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, via the app, or through your smart speaker.