Why do the swimmers take a drink from the pool before they swim?

Because they traditionally fill their mouths with the blood of goats or virgins, but FINA has banned this practice and no longer allows ritual sacrifice before a race. Now they must make do by placing filthy pool water in their mouths before a race, to appease their dark gods. Others say it's considered good luck to take in a bit of Ryan Lochte's powerfully golden urine before the big race.