You Too can become an Olympic Athlete
By Rocio Blanco Garcia
He stood on the middle of the medals platform. With his right hand on his chest, he listened to the United-States-national anthem as he received his eighth gold medal and broke, once again, another world record.
That night, all eyes were on the young adult from Baltimore, Michael Phelps.
Phelps performance at the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games caught the attention of teenagers and adults alike. While staring at the television, the American audience could not do anything but wonder how one could swim so fast. Some even wished they were the one standing on that platform.
“It would be great to have the chance of being where he was,” said Patrick Aubone, a sports psychology major at Florida International University who swims at long-distance triathlons.
“The feeling of having eight gold medals wrapped around your neck would be magnificent.”
At age 23, the American swimmer has 14 Olympic medals, eight of which he earned at Beijing after breaking seven world records.
It’s not without reason that he’s considered one of the best athletes in modern history. But while he may have been the shiniest star at the games, he was not the only star.
The gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson with their iron-strong legs and flexible bodies also had an outstanding performance, receiving five and four Olympic medals, respectively.
And what about our basketball team? After an intense fight against the Spaniards for the gold, they returned to the number one spot after a not-so-good performance during the 2004 Olympic Games where the team earned the bronze.
The performance of our American stars has inspired some to follow their path. However, it’s important to realize what the race to the top takes. Determination, exercise and a good nutrition are among the items on the list.
If you want to one day stand where Phelps, Liukin and Kobe Bryant have already been you must start with the basics: Exercise and good nutrition.
But even if you are not into sports, having good nutrition and exercising can help you excel at whatever you do. Unfortunately, there are still many who are not aware of the benefits of healthy habits and each day seem to be moving further away from a healthy lifestyle.
According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, in 2007 more than 25 percent of U.S adults reported being obese. The figures are not looking any better for our children. The Alliance for A Healthier Generation reports that more than 17 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 are also obese.
Obesity doesn’t just involve a high percentage of body fat. It is associated with other diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and respiratory problems.
Dietetics and nutrition expert Adriana Campa says obesity also plays a role in mental health. “Obesity plays a role in your psychological health, especially as a teenager,” she said. “Many obese teenagers tend to be discriminated against at school.”
Even if your problem is just a few extra pounds, get started on a fitness plan. According to the CDC, 80 percent of children who are overweight become obese adults.
“Obesity becomes especially dangerous as an adult, Campa said. “It is therefore important to prevent it during childhood.”
Consuming sugar-sweetened drinks, frequent snacking and eating meals away from home are some of the factors that contribute to being overweight in childhood.
If you are currently engaged in any of these habits, it’s in your hands to become healthier. Substitute water and natural juices for soft drinks. Avoid fast food and enjoy home-made meals.
Physical activity is also important. Playing sports is a great way to exercise. Some may not like to go on the field and kick a soccer ball or shoot some hoops, but walking half an hour each day, running around the block or playing with your friends an hour a day will also help you become a healthier person.
Whether you want to become a dancer, improve your concentration at school, or you want to, like Phelps, stand in front of the admiring eyes of your country as you race to the top, you must first do one thing: increase your physical fitness.
“Nutrition is essential to good functioning and performance,” Campa said. “Eating a good and balanced breakfast, for example, will help you perform better and concentrate more at school.”
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