Several athletes have been caught hiding this part of their bodies in some events

Jiayu Yang during the 20km walk in ParisEFE

While Maria Perez‘s silver and Alvaro Martin‘s bronze medals captured much of the Olympic attention, a small yet intriguing detail did not go unnoticed at the event and is likely to reappear throughout the Olympic Games in Paris.

This peculiarity, seen among some Asian athletes, has nothing to do with their performance on the track, but is rather more of a personal choice that some are making.

What caught the attention was a patch covering Perez‘s belly button as she crossed the finish line. While kinesiology tapes and nasal strips are common sights among athletes to enhance breathing or muscle support, this patch serves a different purpose altogether.

What is the purpose of the belly button patch?

Surprisingly, the reason behind this practice is rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. In some Asian cultures, the navel is considered the body’s center, where energies flow in and out.

It is believed to be the source of power for all actions and, simultaneously, a vulnerable point through which negative energies can enter the body.

Jiayu Yang covered her navel to perform at her best, ensuring that nothing physical or spiritual could disturb her.

The idea is not just to conserve energy but also to protect against malevolent forces. While this may seem unconventional, athletes often rely on various superstitions and rituals to maintain their focus and performance.

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As the Olympics continue, it is likely that we will see more athletes with covered navels in Paris.

This practice isn’t related to performance, aerodynamics, or religious restrictions, but rather a belief that the navel plays a crucial role in managing the body’s energies. To safeguard themselves, athletes cover this area, that’s all there is to it.