I was watching WSM yesterday... and after one of the events Kaz interviewed one of the competitors and asked him to show off his hands. The flesh in the palm of his hands was torn, cut up, and bloodied--bad! The guy said this is what happens to you in these events and laughed it off. Then I realized that I have never seen guys wearing gloves in these competitions. Aren't they allowed to wear cloves? Why don't they wear them? I know when I train, I can always lift a little more while wearing gloves than without them, but officials can get over the unfair advantage argument by issuing the same style/brand of gloves to everyone at the same competition.
Given the punishment these guys go through with the various events, I would think gloves would be essential. So, why don't they wear them? Anyone know?