Olympic factoid: final call!

Many competitions now have a call room, but did you know that at major events such as the Olympics and Paralympics there are in fact TWO call rooms?

First Call

First Call is where athletes come into a call room and is fairly relaxed and they can still warm up and chill. They will be in areas that are allocated to their particular race or field event.

The officials then check the athletes have their bibs with the correct number on, advertising meets the competition rules, they have the correct spikes/shoes, and that they do not have electronics or other banned items in their bags.

In para races or seated throws wheelchairs, running frames and throwing frames will be checked to ensure they comply.

Final Call

The athletes are then taken to Final Call. Here they are given leg numbers if taking part in a track event and their bib numbers are rechecked.

From Final Call athletes are led to the area of competition accompanied by Call Room Stewards and Athlete Stewards. This ensures they all get to the event site safely and on time.

Athletes behave differently in the Call Room – some be very focussed, some will be relaxed, some will want to chat a lot, and others psyche out their fellow competitors! How do you think your favourite athlete behaves in the Call Room? You might get a lucky glimpse on the Olympics coverage as there is some broadcasting footage from the Call Room this year.