As a result, poor nutrition can be the differ-
ence between an athlete getting to the podium or to the parking lot after a performance. “Consuming the right foods and beverages in the right amounts and at the right times can make all the difference between winning and los- ing,” Dan said. “But it’s not easy to do because schedules always vary, travel confounds normal eating behaviors and food availability, and good skaters are always cranking up their skills, requir- ing more nutritional fuel to get the brain and muscles to do the right things. “It’s more complicated than just eating a
Benardot has worked with many of U.S. Figure Skating’s top athletes, including the U.S. champion pairs team of Caydee Denney and John Coughlin.
into huge problems on the ice,” Dan said. “For instance, we have seen far too many skaters go into the long program without having any source of energy for well over three hours, guaranteeing that they are beginning the long program with blood sugar already low. Blood sugar is the pri- mary fuel for the brain, and low blood sugar is associated with poor muscle function. “We see it happening ... the first minute of
the long program, the skater looks good, but then you start seeing the head bob and the eyes look glazed, followed by the inevitable falls. Te skater may have done everything else right nutritionally but this one mistake: A failure to sustain blood sugar going onto the competition ice, will doom the skater to failure.”
‘balanced diet.’ Te foods and beverages must be timed in such a way that the ‘tank never overfills and never runs dry.’” But when an athlete’s nutrition plan is sound and helps maximize the skater’s potential, great- ness can be found.
“I think to be a part of helping athletes take it to the next level and giving them the tools to do that is the main focus for us,” Robin said. “It’s interesting to see how they evolve personally with it after they take responsibility for it. Te ones who manage really well are vibrantly healthy, and it’s great to see that in people.” To be an elite skater requires a great deal of sacrifice and determination, and nutrition is a huge part of that endeavor. “What most people don’t realize is that, for these athletes, these plans are 24/7 and 365 days a year,” Robin said. “If they go away from that, they can’t expect to recover in a short period of
Robin Benardot and USOC dietitian Alicia Kendig talk shop at a skating event.
time. Most people don’t understand the amount of discipline that takes. “Tey have to stick with it, and there are no
exceptions. It’s just a part of their training.” Working with U.S. Figure Skating’s stars has
been a thrill for the Benardots, one they continue to enjoy thoroughly. “It’s great to see young people evolve and also to be able to help them through tough times while training,” Robin said. “Tey’re great people, and the things they do with their skill level and the way they defy gravity so beautifully are what most mortals will never do.”
SKATING 21
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