Explain how the dietary requirements for AFL players differ from triathlon athletes in terms of pre-performance and during-performance nutrition needs. (4 marks)
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- AFL players require a small increase in carbohydrates in the 24 hours prior to competition with their last meal 3-4 hours before competition.
- This enables optimal glycogen storage for the intermittent high-intensity demands of Australian football.
- AFL players can top up glucose levels during the game via sports drinks, gels, fruit or crackers during longer breaks.
- Triathlon athletes need pre-event meals 1-2 hours prior to competition focusing on low GI carbohydrates like cereal and porridge.
- During events lasting 40-75 minutes, triathletes only require small amounts of carbohydrate at 20-30 grams per hour.
- For longer triathlons, athletes should consume 30-60 grams of carbohydrate per hour through sports gels, drinks and bananas.
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- AFL players require a small increase in carbohydrates in the 24 hours prior to competition with their last meal 3-4 hours before competition.
- This enables optimal glycogen storage for the intermittent high-intensity demands of Australian football.
- AFL players can top up glucose levels during the game via sports drinks, gels, fruit or crackers during longer breaks.
- Triathlon athletes need pre-event meals 1-2 hours prior to competition focusing on low GI carbohydrates like cereal and porridge.
- During events lasting 40-75 minutes, triathletes only require small amounts of carbohydrate at 20-30 grams per hour.
- For longer triathlons, athletes should consume 30-60 grams of carbohydrate per hour through sports gels, drinks and bananas.