They do it to activate and warm up the muscles. Slapping the quads helps increase blood flow and wakes up the nervous system, getting the legs ready to perform at their best right from the start.
Years ago I invented the automatic face slapper for runners, to simulate when a jockey whips a horse on the homestretch. Also an electroshock buzzer would work, operated by the coach.
A very small monkey of negligible weight, carried on the runner's shoulders, could accomplish the same thing. A well trained monkey would skillfully get the runner worked up to the right level with slaps and screeches.
It would be a great inovation in track and field if monkeys were introduced as jockeys. And just like in horse racing, the jockeys should get all the rewards with the runners merely treated as a commodity.
Runners are already used to getting no rewards. A few cheap medals, ribbons, a goofy t-shirt. The bag of oatmeal a horse gets would be an upgrade
They do it to activate and warm upthe muscles. Slapping the quads helps increase blood flow and wakes up the nervous system, getting the legs ready to perform at their best right from the start.
The muscles aren't warmed up yet? Wasn't that the point of doing a "warm up"?
If it's about activating muscles, they should really be slapping their asses. Activate the glutes!!! Activate the glutes!!!
It’s a way to activate the muscles and get the blood flowing right before the race. Slapping the quads can help wake them up and improve muscle responsiveness at the start line.