The holidays are usually a time of relaxation and culinary excess for many, but Olympic athletes and those aspiring to be Olympic athletes take a different approach. For them, fitness is key to competing at the highest level, which means that even at Christmas and New Year’s, their training and eating routine doesn’t completely disappear.
Some athletes reduce the intensity of their workouts, but keep up the activity to start the year in top form. From boxers to mountain bikers, their strategies offer interesting insights into how they balance personal and professional life over the festive period.
TRAINING AND DIET UNDER CONTROL
In an Olympics.com article, you can read how Cape Verdean boxer Nancy Moreira makes sure to train every day to compensate for the extra calories she consumes in December. “Especially since December is a high-calorie month,” she shared with Olympics.com. Moreira adjusts her workouts according to what she eats, proving that balance is essential.
For her part, Brazilian rugby player Luiza Campos follows a detailed plan that includes workouts and nutritional adjustments. “Our nutritionist always helps us regulate our diet so that we can enjoy the Christmas meal, but train and eat correctly the rest of the days,” she explained.
NO REST FOR SOME ATHLETES
U.S. swimmer Carson Foster uses the vacations to train with his old high school coach. “His workouts are tough, but as a swimmer you can indulge in a few treats and then get back into the routine,” he told Olympics. Foster combines family time with maintaining his fitness.
For Spanish boxer Ayoub Ghadfa, a silver medalist at Paris 2024, it is impossible to completely stop his training. Although he reduces his load from two to one session a day, he says staying active is a must. Similarly, Yasmim Soares, Campos’ Brazilian rugby teammate, stresses that her team plans activities that prevent loss of fitness during the colder months.
SPORT AS A PLEASURE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
For some, sport is much more than a routine: it is a source of joy. French mountain biker Loana Lecomte shared with Olympics that, although getting started can be difficult, the pleasure she feels after a few sessions motivates her to keep going. “Sport releases hormones like dopamine and puts you in a very pleasant state,” she said.
Others, like German decathlete Leo Neugebauer, combine training with indulgence in their favorite traditional dishes. Neugebauer enjoyed schnitzel and currywurst at the University of Texas, where he convinced a cook to include these recipes on the menu. “I’m excited for everyone to try these dishes and experience a little taste of home,” he posted on social media.
“THE SECRET IS NOT TO BE GLUTTONOUS”
Italian taekwondist Simone Alessio also enjoys the traditional cuisine of his region, such as nduja and soppressata. However, he stressed the importance of moderation: “The secret is not to be gluttonous. I enjoy all the good things, but in a balanced way.”
Whether through sport or food, these athletes demonstrate that it is possible to maintain balance during the holidays. Their dedication and ability to find pleasure in both effort and small indulgences are an inspiration to those looking to start the new year off on the right foot.
