The Wall Street Journal tallied up the number of high fives, group hugs, bum taps, and those one-armed “bro hugs” among U.S. Olympic teams, and found that men can be just as affectionate as women.
Men’s volleyball had 94 total touches during their match with Serbia, including 17 group hugs and 56 low fives. Researchers find teams that are touchy-feely in the beginning of their season, typically have more wins by the time the season ends.
Other physically affectionate teams: women’s volleyball (83 touches), women’s gymnastics (55 hugs), and men’s basketball (45 high fives).
The least affectionate U.S. team at this year’s Games: Women’s table tennis partners Erica Wu and Lily Zhang didn’t touch at all during their single match, which they lost to Japan.
Source: Wall Street Journal
