AUSTRALIAN swimmer Ariarne Titmus has been one of the stars of Paris 2024.
But with greatness, comes increased scrutiny.
And some Olympics viewers claim to have spotted a secret weapon they claim could give her an advantage.
A debate is doing the rounds on Reddit over whether 23-year-old Titmus‘ bright yellow acrylic nails are more than a fashion accessory.
There are timing pads on the walls of Olympic pools which swimmers must touch to end the race.
One fan posed the question: “How are fingernails like this allowed.
“I’ve seen how close the races have been.”
Others with experience in the matter have pointed out that there are actually more pitfalls than advantages.
One replied: “I swam all through with acrylics and you do not wanna be finishing with the tips of your fingernails.
“Aside from as others have said there’s not enough pressure to activate the plate, jamming your finger into the wall nails first HURTS.”
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Another added: “If fingernails helped, everyone would have long ones, and would also grow out their toenails.
“The tips do not have enough surface area to trigger a touchpad and with the force exerted of coming into a wall on a finger is very uncomfortable.”
And another wrote: “Fake nails hitting the wall first are not going to make you win.
“You have to hit those boards hard to trigger them to stop.”
Titmus has already won gold in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay and 400m freestyle, as well as silver in the 200m freestyle.
She is up against American great Katie Ledecky in the 800m freestyle final tonight looking to add another to her collection.
