What is the stick that is hit on the ground before each event at the Paris Olympics and why do they do it?
The Paris Olympics has been an excellent spectacle to witness, and one part of that has been the banging of the stick before each event.
Ahead of every single event, from canoe slalom to swimming, the start has been heralded in by someone performing an opening ceremony of sorts.
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Certainly, it's added a new element to the Games, with the crowd often dipping into total silence in anticipation.
But the question is, what is it, and why do they do it?
What is the stick that is hit on the ground before each event at the Paris Olympics and why do they do it?
The stick that is used is called a 'brigadier', but it's got nothing to do with the military.
No, it's all about theatre and acting rather than the army.
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The Games' organisers liken the brigadier holder to a stage manager at a show silencing the crowd in anticipation of a special event.
It's meant to bring France's passion for theatre together with sport and to tell the crowd they are about to witness something great.
The brigadier is banged three times on the ground and this is known as the 'les trois coups.'
It has been specially introduced for these games, but it's a tradition that has been used in French stage performances for years.
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Those who have had the honour of performing this task include actors, former professional sports stars and the odd random person.
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For example, Billie Jean King held the brigadier at Roland-Garros for the Men's Singles tennis final, while two actors from the Netflix show Emily in Paris introduced a 3 vs 3 basketball game.
So, it has been a real mix of people who've been allowed to hold the brigadier and perform the three strikes.
Certainly, it's added a new aspect to the Games, and on the Olympics website, it says: "These three strokes are designed to remind us that each event is a unique performance that deserves the public's attention and respect.
"Spectators are invited to observe a moment of silence at the moment of the three blows, just like in the theatre."
Since the first time we've seen this, it's caught the imagination of the Paris crowd and has become something everyone looks forward to.
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