Do you need to eat like an Olympian?

Fuelling correctly is vital for pro sportspeople but their needs can be very different from those of us who are not going for gold

Some professional athletes need to consume 7,000 calories a day. Picture: PA

As the Olympics begin, fans may marvel at the skill, training and dedication shown by our athletes to get to the top of their game. But an unseen – yet vital – part of their success is their nutrition.

“For athletes, focusing on optimum nutrition is important for maximising performance, reducing the risk of injury and illness, and ensuring the best recovery after training,” explains Alex White, a nutrition scientist.