This paper examines the nutritional needs of the athletes. Though there are numerous sports, this paper evaluates Marathon and racing as the example of stressing the importance in athletes. This paper is designed to provide recommendations for British Athletes during the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing.
Athletes often experience the fatigue. The main causes of fatigue are usually dehydration and carbohydrate depletion. However, thermo-regulation will be a major factor of fatigue in Beijing.
The athletes will face an enduring flight to Beijing from London. Minimum flight times are 13 hours with an expected stopover. It is advisable that athletes go to Beijing at least two weeks in advance not only to recover from this exhausting flight, but to adjust to the 7 hour time difference and for their bodies to adapt to the heat and humidity.
[...] Drink 16-24 ounces of fluid for every pound of body weight lost. CONCLUSION The games in Beijing 2008 aim to be an enchanting Far East experience. The Great Britain team faces an enduring flight and will have to adapt to the west to east time difference. British Olympians will have to battle with the extreme weather conditions as well as battle with competitors on race day. Planning and preparation will be vital to successful games for the British teams. In this booklet, examples of a two week preparation to the games was used, however, preparation will need to be in place, months leading up to the games. [...]
[...] It is important that when the athletes start training in Beijing after acclimatization that they run at race intensity for one hour and follow the below procedure: Do a warm up where perspiration is generated Urinate if necessary Weigh naked on an accurate scale Run/cycle for one hour at intensity similar to the targeted race Drink a measured amount of a beverage of your choice during the run/cycle Do not urinate during the run/cycle Weigh naked again on the same scale after run/cycle Record the data. [...]
[...] Many athletes will feel nervous on the day of competition and may find eating difficult. Foods such as cereal, toast and juice are easy digested and will ensure that they athletes do not feel full. It is recommended that this meal should be eat 2 hours prior to the start of the race and should be only between 200 to 500kcal. Source: Wilmore and Coshill[1999] page 477 main purpose of the pre-competition meal is to provide the athlete with adequate carbohydrate energy and to ensure optimal hydration.” Source: McArdle, Katch & Katch [1999]page 69. [...]
[...] In previous games in hot extremities, Paula Radcliff [Marathon Runner] has been seen taking shelter under an umbrella with an ice pack on her upper body, which delayed the onset of her core temperature rising. Material from which the clothing is made from is important. The ideal material will need to be lightweight and light in color. Heat loss will be delayed until the clothing becomes wet and cooling via evaporation can proceed. Source: Wilmore & Costill [1999] Drinking fluids throughout prolonged exercise is essential. [...]
[...] These will also the athletes to know where the main competition will be from and therefore plan their strategy for their race. Being aware of the opponents on race day, the British Olympians will be able to anticipate the speed, whether to start of the race at either the front or middle of the pack, whether to run or cycle at the outside or inside lanes etc. opposition must be clearly identified and known to the athlete, as not all athletes in a contest may be opponents. [...]
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