I've decided to become and Olympian

I've really enjoyed watching the Olympics. I was lucky enough to even manage to watch some of it live in Paris and the atmosphere was infectious.

And so was the Seine. Just one sip and you were full of infectious disease.

Everywhere you went in Paris, there was something "Olympic" going on. Viewing areas. Banners. Random sports dotted all around the city. It was actually very well done.

When we got back to London, my youngest son announced that he's going to be competing at the Olympics in 8 years' time (I'm all for ambitious goals). And far from dissuading him that it is unlikely, I've decided to join him.

I'll be 58 in 8 years time and if we can have a 51 year old British skateboarder then I think we can have a 58 year old there in Australia too.

The obvious question is what sport to focus on. I'm quite good at golf (but nowhere near good enough). I am 'garden and holiday' good at table tennis. I'm pretty quick on a Lime bike...

But, given my advancing years, it's probably going to have to be a sitting down (e.g. sailing) or standing still sport (e.g. shooting, archery).

The Training Starts Now

When we think of Olympic athletes, it’s easy to picture them eating the perfect diet - balanced, nutrient-rich meals.

But in reality, their diets are shit.

Junk food plays a key role in helping them reach peak performance.

From Chicken Nuggets to Haribo, these foods aren’t just indulgences; they’re strategic choices that provide the high calories and quick energy these athletes need.

And that's why I think I'm well on my way to becoming an Olympian. I mean, my diet is practically there already.

The Real Reason Behind “Junk Food” Choices

Olympic athletes burn through an incredible amount of calories during training—sometimes as much as 6,000 to 8,000 per day.

This high energy demand makes calorie-dense foods, often categorised as “junk,” not just acceptable but necessary.

Take Chris Fogt, an Olympic bobsledder, who famously used Taco Bell to help him gain the muscle mass needed for his sport. It’s a prime example of how high-calorie, easily digestible foods can be more effective than traditionally “healthy” meals in specific contexts.

The Science Behind the Diets

Sports nutritionist Brian St. Pierre emphasises that the intense training regimens of these athletes allow them to metabolise these foods efficiently, without the adverse effects (by that he means, getting really, really fat) that might impact a less active person.

The key here is their activity level, which changes the way their bodies process these foods. This concept can be extended to us as well: the more active we are, the more leniency we have in our diets.

Processed Foods: A Secret Weapon

Processed foods like gummy bears, candy bars, and even fast food have certain advantages.

They’re convenient, calorie-dense, and easy on the stomach—qualities that are particularly beneficial during long or intense training sessions.

These foods offer quick energy, don’t weigh athletes down, and are easier to digest, making them ideal for fueling high-performance activities.

The Downside of Overly Restrictive Diets

Interestingly, being too strict about food can actually harm performance.

Athletes who focus too much on eating “clean” can end up undereating, leading to fatigue, injuries, and slower recovery times.

Which is why I try very hard never to undereat. It's all part of my training plan.

And if I am to compete in a sitting down sport, then I must also practice a lot of sitting down. Doctors are telling us that sitting down is "the next smoking" so if I am to partake in such a dangerous activity, it's important to be well practised and very, very good at it.

Takeaways for Us Non-Olympians

While most of us you aren’t training for the Olympics, there are valuable lessons to learn from these athletes’ eating habits.

Move More, Eat More: The more active you are, the more flexibility you have in your diet. Exercise increases your calorie needs, which means you can afford to indulge a little without negative consequences.
Strategic Indulgence: Certain foods we typically avoid can actually boost performance during long or intense workouts. Processed foods are easy to digest and provide quick energy, making them useful in specific situations.
Balance Over Perfection: Striving for a perfect diet can backfire. Instead, aim for a balanced diet that supports your activity level and leaves room for occasional indulgences. This approach is more sustainable and can lead to better overall health and fitness.

The Final Word

Olympic nutrition might not look like what we expect, but it’s grounded in the principles of balance, convenience, and strategic indulgence.

By understanding the “why” behind these choices, we can apply similar strategies in our own lives, whether we’re training for a marathon or just trying to stay healthy.

Remember, the goal is to fuel your body in a way that supports your lifestyle, not to follow a one-size-fits-all diet plan.

So, next time you see me reach for that Mars bar or Happy Meal, remember it's all part of my training regime. And I take it very seriously.

See you at the Olympics in 2032, if not before.

Cheers,

Jon "Robin Hood" Kaye