Outline why athletes need to follow dietary guidelines specific to their sport to improve performance. (3 marks)
--- 9 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
- Athletes need sport-specific dietary requirements because different sports require different energy intakes depending on their predominant energy system.
- Marathon runners rely on the aerobic energy system requiring carbohydrates as the main fuel source for sustained performance.
- Sprinters depend on the ATP/PCr energy system, requiring different nutritional support compared to endurance athletes.
- Athletes must eat enough macronutrients and micronutrients suitable for their specific sport and training requirements.
- Without proper nutrition, athletes will lack the energy needed to train effectively and sustain competition performance.
Show Worked Solution
- Athletes need sport-specific dietary requirements because different sports require different energy intakes depending on their predominant energy system.
- Marathon runners rely on the aerobic energy system requiring carbohydrates as the main fuel source for sustained performance.
- Sprinters depend on the ATP/PCr energy system, requiring different nutritional support compared to endurance athletes.
- Athletes must eat enough macronutrients and micronutrients suitable for their specific sport and training requirements.
- Without proper nutrition, athletes will lack the energy needed to train effectively and sustain competition performance.