NewsgallerySporting stars and Olympic athletes: their superstitions and ritualsBookmarkShareNewsByAndrew Robinson15:30, 8 AUG 2016Updated10:12, 9 AUG 2016Jessica Ennis-Hill. Ennis likes to use one particular tape measure to make sure she gets the best possible start in her races What they say: "I have a lucky tape measure that I always use for lining up my blocks."1 of 6Alex Danson. Unusual ritual: Spins her sticks and ties a particular shoelace last before the start of every game. What they say: "I spin my stick 15 times in the huddle before a game and tie my left shoelace last."2 of 6Jade Jones. Unusual ritual: Wears her lucky Union Jack pants when she fights. What they say: "I always wear them in training, although obviously I washed them! I’ve got a few more pairs now. I’ve always been really superstitious."3 of 6Mo Farah. Unusual ritual: Shaving his head and blasting out gangsta rap What they say: "Every athlete has a pre-race routine to get focused. Mine is to shave my head. I like feeling the smoothness of the scalp and splashing cold water on it once I’m done." (Image: PA)4 of 6Laura Trott. Unusual ritual: After winning the Junior World Championships with one wet sock, she now steps on a wet towel before each race. What they say: "I am very superstitious. I trod on a wet towel before winning the Junior World Championships and now I have to do that every time."5 of 6Serena Williams. Unusual ritual: She keeps wearing the same pair of socks when on a winning streak, without washing them What they say: "I have too many superstitious rituals and it's annoying. It's like I have to do it and if I don't then I'll lose." (Image: BossTweed/Flickr)6 of 6