SDA FEATURE NUTRITION FOR SWIMMING FROM THE JUNIOR MEDAL DAY-DREAMER TO THE ELITE ATHLETE Swimming encompasses a number movement activities. The goal of NUTRITION GOALS of strokes and distances from swimmers is to develop a suitable sprint through to endurance physique and technique to propel • Match energy intake to energy races, both in the pool and in themselves through the water with demands of the sport open water. The sport is often picked minimal drag. Generally, swimmers • High quality protein sources regularly up at a very young age and developed are tall, and muscular with long torsos. throughout the day to increase lean further through adolescence. Athletes As swimmers develop, they become muscle tissue may train in one or multiple strokes and technically proficient and therefore, • Carbohydrates to replace muscle over a range of distances. The training more energy efficient. This article refers glycogen utilised during key demands of the sport are highly variable, mainly to pool swimming and provides training sessions with athletes training 1-5 hours an overview of nutrition concepts and • Adequate hydration for training and daily, 3-6 days per week. This general guidance for swimming events, particularly as outdoor pool training may consist of without the provision of temperatures rise above 28⁰C swimming, resistance specific nutrient targets • Periodised nutrition to meet the training and dry land which should be discussed focus of the training block activities such as with an Accredited • Supplements where required, but cross training, yoga, Sports Dietitian. only after foundation diet has Pilates or functional been optimised • Planning nutrition intake to support training is required during particular periods of increased lifestyle load such as during school years, and busy university or work periods • Optimising nutrition to support training load can help reduce the risk of illness and injury • Manipulate body composition with appropriate professional guidance, being aware of the sensitive nature of this topic and impact on body image, particularly in the younger swimmers VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 3 2018 25 dleVmaF/segamiytteg