2014 Commonwealth Games

July 23, 2014 marks the official opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The Commonwealth Games are a tradition that started in in Hamilton, Ontario in 1930 where 11 countries had 400 athletes take part in 6 sports and 59 events. Since its inception, the Games have been held every four years (except in 1942 and 1946 because of WWII), and has grown into the third largest multi-sport event in the world.

The Commonwealth Games stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, the unique characteristic of having one common language, English and is frequently referred to as ‘the Friendly Games’. This year the event will host 70 different nations and include 17 sports with 261 medal events as well as offering a record 22 para-sport medal events.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that was introduced in 1958 and invites everyone to get involved in the excitement leading up to the event. For the Glasgow games, the Relay will include 4,000 torchbearers and will cover 190,000 km.

While the athletes are at their physical peak, the closer the Games get, the more important mental skills become as participants get ready to compete at an elite level. With so many talented people in one place sometimes winning and losing can come down to whether or not an athlete can keep it together under pressure. With over 6,000 athletes and officials participating and over 1 million visitors to the city, there is no doubt that this Games will be an exciting one to watch.

Vitamin B12: The Basics

An important key to maintaining a healthy mind and body is ensuring we’re fulfilling our daily nutritional needs. This means getting the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals from our food and understanding what role they play in our health. Getting to know a little more about vitamin B12, particularly for athletes, and how it aids in cell production and repair is a little thing that can go a long way to maintaining a healthy body.
 
What is it?

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble micronutrient found in your average balanced diet. It belongs to a family of B vitamins that includes thiamin, riboflavin, B6 and folate.

What does it do?

Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme for carbon metabolism within our bodies. These metabolic reactions are crucial to the synthesis of RNA and DNA (for red blood cell formation and cell repair). The micronutrient is also important for the maintenance of the nervous system and healthy brain tissue. Sheaths, a protective coating located on nerve endings, depend on B12 for proper transmission of nerve signals.

If our bodies suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency it can lead to malformed blood cells that can result in the onset of anemia. Also, if nerve cell sheaths become damaged and can’t be repaired due to lack of B12, messages to and from the brain are disrupted impairing normal function.

Where does Vitamin B12 fit in your diet?

Having appropriate B12 levels is important during times of activity. Those who are physically active should be aware that their nutrient requirements can increase as their training intensifies, and B12 is necessary for cell repair during recovery. Sources of B12 are primarily animal based with some being found in fortified foods as well.

Sources of B12:

• Red Meat 
• Poultry 
• Fish 
• Shellfish 
• Eggs 
• Dairy Products 
• Fortified Cereals 

For any concerns or questions on vitamin B12 and your health, it’s recommended that you seek consultation with your family doctor or other registered medical professional in order to receive the most appropriate information.

References Available from SIRC Online Collection: 

1. Guest N. ATHLETES, EXERCISE AND VITAMIN NEEDS--THE B-COMPLEX VITAMINS. Fitness Business Canada. January 2008;9(1):34-35. 
2. Herrmann M, Obeid R, Scharhag J, Kindermann W, Herrmann W. Altered Vitamin B12 Status in Recreational Endurance Athletes. International Journal Of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. August 2005;15(4):433. 
3. Pawlak R, Parrott S, Raj S, Cullum-Dugan D, Lucus D. How prevalent is vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians?. Nutrition Reviews. February 2013;71(2):110-117. 
4. Selhub J, Troen A, Rosenberg I. B vitamins and the aging brain. Nutrition Reviews. December 2, 2010;68:S112-S118. 
5. Stover P. Physiology of Folate and Vitamin B12 in Health and Disease. Nutrition Reviews. June 2, 2004;62(6):S3-S12.
6. Truswell A. Vitamin B12. Nutrition & Dietetics. September 3, 2007;64:S120-S125. 
7. Woolf K, Manore M. B-Vitamins and Exercise: Does Exercise Alter Requirements?. International Journal Of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. October 2006;16(5):453-484.

SIRC Newsletter: Social Media

Sport and social media are now irrevocably intertwined with fans actively engaged with their favourite athletes and sport teams on a regular basis. The World Cup is currently being touted as the biggest social media event ever with millions of fans tweeting, posting and commenting on each live game. It changes so quickly that it can be difficult for sport organizations, coaches and athletes to keep up. With this increased accessibility, it’s important to be aware of the many potential pitfalls and not-to-be-missed opportunities available for your sport organization.

This issue SIRC has compiled information on social media training for athletes, developing a social media policy, how to leverage social media for your next sport event and how to increase fan engagement.

SIRC Newsletter now online: http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-June14/index.html

My Kind of Fun

What does fun mean to you? Does it involve donuts, maybe a pint of beer, or possibly becoming a human kaleidoscope? No matter how you define fun, the odds are pretty good that it’s been combined with a race course to create the perfect fun run just for you.
 
Here is selection of fun runs that might inspire you to start training for a race.

Krispy Kreme Challenge

A challenge that might get your stomach growling or turning, the race started as a dare between undergraduate students in 2004. Runners have one hour to cover a five mile course and eat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts along the way. The original race in Raleigh, North Carolina, is now in its tenth year and has approximately 8000 registered runners.

Night Race

As soon as the sun goes down, this race is ready to start. Night racers are given LED headlights and glow in the dark t-shirts so they can run or walk as one fluorescent mob. Glow stations are set up where runners can be painted with glow-in-the-dark paint and are equipped with glow sticks before heading out on the 5/10km course. After the race, runners have free admission to a live DJ and dance party.

Mud and Chocolate

Runners can choose from 4.5 mile or half marathon course. The course is set to take runners along tree-lined trails (and they promise only a little bit of mud) with chocolate aid stations located throughout. The finish line is dubbed chocomania, where racers can indulge in a chocolate buffet once they complete the race. To top off the event, medals are presented to the participants - which also happen to be made of chocolate.

Man vs. Horse Marathon

This race got its start in a Welsh pub as a debate among patrons. While the horse was the clear favourite when then the challenge started thirty years ago, modifications have been made to the course to even the playing field. It wasn’t until 2004 that the first man was able to win the race against the horse.

Whether you feel like trying a race to support a worthy cause, or to have a laugh with your friends, the selection of fun runs means there is something for everyone. So find a race that interests you, lace up your runners, and go have some fun.

References Available from the SIRC Collection:

1. Minniti A, Tyler C, Sunderland C. Effects of a cooling collar on affect, ratings of perceived exertion, and running performance in the heat. European Journal Of Sport Science. November 2011;11(6):419-429. 
2. Mullins N. Obstacle Course Challenges: History, Popularity, Performance Demands, Effective Training, and Course Design. Journal Of Exercise Physiology Online. April 2012;15(2):100-128. 
3.  O'neal E, Davis B, Thigpen L, Caufield C, Horton A, Mcintosh J. Runners Greatly Underestimate Sweat Losses Before and After a 1-hr Summer Run. International Journal Of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. October 2012;22(5):353-362. 
4. Sanders A, Redhead J. Heat stroke and 10K "fun runs": new safety measures are called for. British Journal Of Sports Medicine. October 2006;40(10):880. 
5. Vadeboncoeur T, Silvers S, Mohseni M, et al. Impact of a High Body Mass Index on Lower Extremity Injury in Marathon/Half-Marathon Participants. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health. January 2012;9(1):96-103. 
6. Wilk B, Timmons B, Bar-Or O. Voluntary fluid intake, hydration status, and aerobic performance of adolescent athletes in the heat. Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism. December 2010;35(6):834-841.

Sport and Mental Health

Athletes are often perceived by the public to be fitter, healthier and happier than others. In fact, athletes are not immune from mental health issues, and can struggle just like the rest of us. Along with the stigma attached to mental health, especially in the sporting world where mental toughness is as valued as physical toughness, it can be difficult for athletes to seek help. That's why SIRC has compiled articles on the stigma of mental health, athletes battling depression and anxiety, signs of athlete burnout and understanding mental health issues.

SIRC Newsletter: http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/April14/index.html

Dominic Larocque - Sledge Hockey

Dominic Larocque serves in the Canadian Forces and was introduced to sledge hockey through their Soldier On Programme. While Larcoque always had a passion for hockey, it took a bit of an adjustment to learn how to move and play the game relying entirely on his arms. The adjustment didn’t take long however. Dominic caught the eyes of Team Canada at a camp in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. Larocque will be making his Paralympic debut at the Sochi 2014 Games.

General Information:

Date of Birth: July 30, 1987
Birthplace: Salaberry De Valleyfield, Quebec
Residence: Shannon, Quebec
Height/Weight: 182 cm/ 83 kg
Coach: Mike Mondin, Curtis Hunt
CPC: http://paralympic.ca/dominic-larocque
HC: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/roster_players/4264749?subseason=145203
IPC: http://ipc.infostradasports.com/asp/lib/theasp.asp?pageid=8937&sportid=565&personid=1097065&refreshauto=1

Josh Dueck

While he might represent Team Canada as a para-alpine skier, Josh Dueck still likes to experiment with the art of freestyle skiing that drew him to the sport in the first place. In 2012 he was the first sit-skier to ever complete a back flip from a ski ramp. Josh was also the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. Dueck is always looking for new ways to push himself in his sport, and is pumped to take-on what the Sochi slopes have to offer.

General Information:

Date of Birth: January 13, 1981
Birthplace: Kimberley, British Columbia
Residence: Vernon, British Columbia
Height/Weight: 178 cm/ 64 kg
Coach: Jean-Sebastien Labrie, Sven Pouloit, Lasse Ericsson, Jocelyn Huot
Twitter: @justdueck
Website: http://joshdueck.com/
CPC: http://paralympic.ca/josh-dueck
AlpCan: http://www.alpinecanada.org/athlete/dueck
IPC: http://ipc.infostradasports.com/asp/lib/theasp.asp?pageid=8937&sportid=564&personid=910539&refreshauto=1

Rebecca Johnston

Rebecca Johnston attended Cornell University where she played for their hockey team. In her first season she was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and was also a three time finalist for the top female player in NCAA hockey. When she graduated Rebecca was drafted by the Toronto Furies of the CWHL. Internationally Rebecca joined team Canada in 2007; she was part of the 2010 Olympic gold medal winning team. She will be one of 12 returning players hoping to repeat the team’s success in Sochi 2014.

General Information:

Date of Birth: September 24, 1989
Birthplace: Sudbury, Ontario
Residence: Sudbury, Ontario
Height/Weight: 170 cm/ 76 kg
Twitter: @RJohnst16
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/rebecca-johnston/
 HC: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/roster_players/4160850?subseason=143144

Heather Moyse

Heather Moyse is an amazing all-around athlete; she has managed to represent her country in three different sports: bobsleigh, rugby and cycling. Heather got her start in bobsleigh less than six months before she made her Olympic debut in Torino 2006. She is probably best known for the gold medal she won with Kaillie Humphries at the 2010 Olympics. Heather will once again be teaming up with Kaillie in Sochi with the hopes of retaining their place atop the Olympic podium.

General Information:

Date of Birth: July 23, 1978
Birthplace: Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Residence: Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Height/Weight: 178 cm/ 72 kg
Coach: Tom De La Hunty
Twitter: @HeatherMoyse
Website: http://www.heathermoyse.com/
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/heather-moyse/
BCS: http://www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca/en-CA/files/Moyse%202013.pdf
FIBT: http://www.fibt.com/bobsleigh/athletes.html?tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bsport%5D=B&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bcountry%5D=CAN&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bathl_id%5D=130612

E.J. Harnden

E.J. Harnden is the second on the Canadian Olympic Curling team. Harnden is lucky to share this amazing accomplishment with his brother Ryan who is the lead on the team. The family ties for curling run even deeper than that, when he attended the Brier in 2008 it was on a team skipped by his father Eric. He and his brother are also cousins to the current skip of Team Canada Brad Jacobs. The current foursome has had great success since starting to play together in 2012. They won the first Brier for Northern Ontario since 1985 before winning the Roar of the Rings this year for the right to represent their country at the Olympics.

General Information:

Date of Birth: April 14, 1983
Birthplace: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Residence: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Height/Weight: 185 cm/ 84 kg
Coach: Rick Lang
Twitter: @eharnden83
Website: http://www.teambradjacobs.com/
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/ej-harnden/

Keep your Heart Healthy - SIRC Newsletter

Your heart is important. Yet, many people don’t pay enough attention to their heart health. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 3 billion times -- pumping an amount of blood that equals about 1 million barrels. Even when a person is at rest, the heart is continuously hard at work. So if we know that our hearts are important we should begin taking strides to take care of our heart health. To stay healthy, your heart along with diet and exercise must complement each other.

This is why SIRC has compiled articles on why you should care about your heart health, eating tips, recommendations for physical activity and information on how stress affects your heart.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-Feb14/index.html

Need For Speed

by Leigh Cove
Algonquin College Sport Business Management Intern

Ask Canadian luger Alex Gough what drew her to the sport and you will probably get an answer along the lines of, “I wanted to go fast.” Actually, ask the question to any of Canada’s 28 sliding athletes and odds are good you will get the same response.

Even with a track specifically designed to accelerate athletes to speeds of 135km/h, and curve patterns where sliders can experience up to five G-forces, the desire of these daredevil athletes is to go fast and keep going faster.

Winter sliding sports (bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge) are all similar in their basics concepts. Each begins with an athlete(s) and their sled at a starting gate, with much of a sliders final time being determined by the speed of their starting push off. Once they trigger the clock and leave the starting zone sliders seemingly let gravity takeover as they hurtle toward the bottom.

Within the first 250m sliders are already reaching speeds of 80km/h, and their time is recorded after athletes cross the finishing sensor. Both slider(s) and their sled must cross the finishing line for their time to count, but the slider doesn’t necessarily have to be in the sled.

Despite what it may seem like, sliders do have control over their sleds. Steering these sleds takes incredible strength and control. When traveling at such high speeds it only takes the slightest movements to get a dramatic change that can mean a gold medal run, or a bone jarring crash.

Balance of Speed and Control:

BOBSLEIGH -The sled has brakes attached to its back runners manned by a brakeman and a steering mechanism of ropes connected to pivoting front runners controlled by a pilot. Newer bobsleds are being designed using Formula One racing technology to increase aerodynamics and cut down on crucial seconds.

SKELETON - Skeleton sleds do not have breaks! Sliders steer by twisting their body in the bow of the sled. The sleds used in skeleton are heavier than their luge counterparts to enhance sliding; the difference can be up to 20 kg.

LUGE - Run times for competitors are so fast and close they are measured to the thousandths of a second. Lugers use their shoulders to help stabilize the sled, while they use their legs to steer the runners, changing how they grip the ice.

Those athletes who choose to compete in bobsleigh, luge, or skeleton run a fine line between maintaining control and losing it every time they launch themselves down an icy track. However athletes continue to slide down again and again because greater than risks, is their need for speed.

References available from SIRC collection: 

1. Berton E, Favier D, Agnès A, Pous F. Aerodynamic Optimization of a Bobsleigh Configuration. International Journal Of Applied Sports Sciences. June 2004;16(1):1-13. 
2. Bullock N, Gulbin J, Martin D, Ross A, Holland T, Marino F. Talent identification and deliberate programming in skeleton: Ice novice to Winter Olympian in 14 months. Journal Of Sports Sciences. February 15, 2009;27(4):397-404. 
3. Lars E. Sports injuries and illnesses during the Winter Olympic Games 2010. British Journal Of Sports Medicine. September 2010;44(11):772-780. 
4. Lembert S, Schachner O, Raschner C. Development of a measurement and feedback training tool for the arm strokes of high-performance luge athletes. Journal Of Sports Sciences. December 2011;29(15):1593-1601. 
5. Platzer H, Raschner C, Patterson C. Performance-determining physiological factors in the luge start. Journal Of Sports Sciences. February 2009;27(3):221-226. 
6. Seiler S. Same Citius,Altius, Fortius ... More Women, Crashes, and McTwists?. International Journal Of Sports Physiology & Performance. January 2014;9(1):122-127.

Sarah Reid

Sarah Reid will be hard to miss when she makes her Olympic debut at the Sochi sliding centre. While her performance on the track will no doubt impress, leading up to the Games it has been her ‘day of the dead’ inspired helmet that’s been stealing the show. It was after 11 years of dance training that Reid switched over to the adrenaline fueled sport of skeleton. Last season she rose quickly through the ranks of skeleton to finish with World Cup bronze. Sarah looks to keep this momentum going by sliding her way onto the Olympic podium for Team Canada.

General Information:

Date of Birth: June 2, 1987
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Residence: Calgary, Alberta
Height/Weight: 158 cm/ 56 kg
Coach: Duff Gibson
Twitter: @Skelly_Rider
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/sarah-reid/
BCS: http://www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca/en-CA/files/Reid_2013_fr.pdf
FIBT: http://www.fibt.com/skeleton/athletes.html?tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bsport%5D=S&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bcountry%5D=CAN&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bathl_id%5D=130357

Tristan Walker

Tristan Walker along with doubles partner Justin Snith and the rest of the Canadian luge team are looking to make history at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi by bringing home Canada’s first Olympic medal in luge. At Vancouver 2010 Walker and Snith, both 18-years-old, were the youngest competitors in their field. No longer green, Walker has grown in his sport over the last four years and as recently as January 2014, won silver for the team relay of the World Cup race in Altenberg, Germany.

General Information:

Date of Birth: May 16, 1991
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Residence: Calgary, Alberta
Height/Weight: 185cm/80kg
Coach: Wolfgang Staudinger, Bernhard Glass
Twitter: @TristanLuge
Website: http://www.walker-snith.com
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/tristan-walker/
Canadian Luge Association: http://www.luge.ca/en/team/?id=31
FIL: http://www.fil-luge.org/index.php?id=443&L=&p_id=100882

Kaillie Humphries

En ayant Kaillie Humphries à la tête de sa formation, l'équipe de bobsleigh féminine canadienne a assurément de bonnes chances de savourer une victoire olympique. Après avoir remporté l'or à Vancouver en 2010, Kaillie n'a pas chômé, décrochant des médailles d'or consécutives lors des saisons 2011-2012 et 2012-2013. À Sotchi, Kaillie fera de nouveau équipe avec sa partenaire, la médaillée d'or Heather Moyse, et ensemble, elles tenteront d'étendre leur domination et de récolter la victoire encore une fois pour le Canada.

Renseignements généraux

Date de naissance : 4 septembre 1985
Lieu de naissance : Calgary (Alberta)
Résidence : Calgary (Alberta)
Taille/poids : 170 cm/ 77 kg
Entraîneur : Tom De La Hunty
Twitter : @Bobsledkaillie
 Site Web : http://www.bobteamhumphries.com
COC : http://olympique.ca/team-canada/kaillie-humphries/
BCS : http://www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca/en-CA/files/Kaillie%20Humphries_fr.pdf
FIBT : http://www.fibt.com/bobsleigh/athletes.html?tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bsport%5D=B&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bcountry%5D=CAN&tx_pxathletes_pi1%5Bathl_id%5D=130282

Mark McMorris

Mark McMorris did not grow up in a snowboarding hot bed, Regina is not known for its mountains. Despite his location Mark found great success at an early age when he won the first slopestyle World Cup he entered when he was only 16. Since then he has continued to dominate the sport performing well at both the Winter X Games and at FIS competitions. Mark McMorris will be competing in the 2014 Olympics as slopestyle makes its debut.

General Information

Date of Birth: December 9, 1993
Birthplace: Regina, Saskatchewan
Residence: Regina, Saskatchewan
 Height/Weight: 180 cm/ 72 kg
Twitter: @markmcmorris
Website: http://www.markmcmorris.com/
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/mark-mcmorris/
CSF: http://www.canadasnowboard.ca/en/team/?id=152
FIS: http://www.fis-ski.com/snowboard/freestyle-snowboard/athletes/athlete=mcmorris-mark-132958/

Mark McMorris

Mark McMorris n'a pas grandi au paradis de la planche à neige – Regina est loin d'être reconnue pour ses montagnes. Malgré son lieu de résidence, Mark a connu du succès très jeune, gagnant la première Coupe du monde de slopestyle à laquelle il a participé, à l'âge de 16 ans. Depuis, il continue de dominer le sport en présentant de bons résultats aux compétitions des Winter X Games et de la FIS. Mark participera aux Olympiques de 2014, alors que les épreuves de slopestyle seront tenues pour la toute première fois.

Date de naissance : 9 décembre 1993
Lieu de naissance : Regina (Saskatchewan)
Résidence : Regina (Saskatchewan)
Taille/poids : 180 cm/72 kg
Twitter : @markmcmorris
Site Web : http://www.markmcmorris.com/
COC : http://olympique.ca/team-canada/mark-mcmorris/
FCS : http://www.canadasnowboard.ca/fr/team/?id=152
FIS : http://www.fis-ski.com/snowboard/freestyle-snowboard/athletes/athlete=mcmorris-mark-132958/

Alex Gough

Alex Gough and the Canadian Luge team are looking to shake things up at the XXII Olympic Winter Games. Back in 2011 Alex ended a 105-race winning streak by Germany when she was the first Canadian luger to win a World Cup race. As the Games approach Gough is only gaining speed, claiming silver in both the team relay and women’s singles at a World Cup in Altenberg, Germany, and still has one more World Cup event before the Games officially open. Canada has never won an Olympic medal in Luge however Alex is well on her way to putting that to an end.

General Information:

Date of Birth: May 12, 1987
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Residence: Calgary, Alberta
Height/Weight: 171cm/73kg
Coach: Wolfgang Staudinger, Bernhard Glass
Twitter: @AlexGoughLuge
Website: www.alexgough.com
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/alex-gough/
Canadian Luge Association: http://www.luge.ca/en/team/?id=15
FIL: http://www.fil-luge.org/index.php?id=443&L=&p_id=100585 

Alex Gough

Alex Gough et l'équipe de luge canadienne tenteront de créer des surprises au Jeux Olympiques d'hiver de 2014. En 2011, Alex a mis fin à une série de 105 victoires des Allemandes, devenant la première lugeuse canadienne à remporter une épreuve de la Coupe du monde. À mesure que les Jeux approchent, Alex ne fait que prendre de la vitesse. Elle a remporté l'argent à l'épreuve de relais par équipe féminin et à l'épreuve individuelle féminin de la Coupe du monde, à Altenberg (Allemagne), et il lui reste encore un événement de la Coupe du monde avant l'ouverture officielle des Jeux. Même si le Canada n'a jamais gagné de médaille olympique à la luge, Alex est déterminée à mettre un terme à cela.

Date de naissance : 12 mai 1987
Lieu de naissance : Calgary (Alberta)
Résidence : Calgary (Alberta)
Taille/poids : 171 cm/73 kg
Entraîneurs : Wolfgang Staudinger et Bernhard Glass
Twitter: @AlexGoughLuge
Site Web : www.alexgough.com
COC : http://olympique.ca/team-canada/alex-gough/
Association canadienne de luge : http://www.luge.ca/fr/team/?id=15
FIL : http://www.fil-luge.org/index.php?id=443&L=&p_id=100585

Hungry to Compete

Perfection is the name of the game for high performance athletes. They spend their careers chasing an ideal performance and waiting for that perfect moment that allows them to shine and be crowned a champion. With a significant personal and financial investment accompanying an athlete’s training, the pressures athletes face to perfect their performance are as daunting as any opponent.
 
A way that these pressures manifest is through the association of performance standards for athletes with the ideal body type one should have to excel at their chosen sport. An unfortunate but all too possible result of this image performance tie is having athletes who suffer from eating disorders for the sake of their sport.

While anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are recognized as diseases, any disordered eating behaviours such as orthorexia nervosa can be harmful and lead to nutrition and mineral deficiencies.

Signs of an eating disorder:

• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour
• Body image emphasis
• Focus on food
• Extremes in eating
• Strong need for control
• Excessive training

The danger with athletes and eating disorders is that many of the warning signs can be hard to identify. When does extra training or drive turn excessive? The signs can get lost in the guise of better physical condition and performance, ultimately the goal for elite athletes.

Coaches, trainers, anyone a part of an athlete’s support team, have a crucial role in not only preventing problematic eating, but also being the first responder in identifying the signs and symptoms. Recent studies show that athletes who have positive coach-athlete relations are less at risk of developing disordered eating habits. Coaches should work with their athletes to create a strong and positive psychological make-up that minimizes an athlete’s self-directed pressures.

In raising awareness of eating disorders in the athlete community it is important to note that while most studies have focused on either female athletes, those involved in aesthetically styled sports, or sports divided by weight class, that eating disorders are not limited to these groups. Regardless of gender or sport, eating disorders are diseases that can affect any type of athlete.

References available from SIRC Collection:

1. Bond C, Bonci L, Vanderbunt E, et al. National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Preventing, Detecting, and Managing Disordered Eating in Athletes. Journal Of Athletic Training. January 2008;43(1):80-108. 
2. Chaki B, Pal S, Bandyopadhyay A. Exploring scientific legitimacy of orthorexia nervosa:a newly emerging eating disorder. Journal Of Human Sport & Exercise. December 2013;8(4):1045-1053.
3. Currie A. Sport and Eating Disorders - Understanding and Managing the Risks. Asian Journal Of Sports Medicine. June 2010;1(2):63-68. 
4. Glazer J. Eating Disorders Among Male Athletes. Current Sports Medicine Reports (American College Of Sports Medicine). November 2008;7(6):332-337. 
5. Haase A. Physique Anxiety and Disordered Eating Correlates in Female Athletes: Differences in Team and Individual Sports. Journal Of Clinical Sport Psychology. September 2009;3(3):218-231. 
6. Selby C, Reel J. A Coach's Guide to Identifying and Helping Athletes with Eating Disorders. Journal Of Sport Psychology In Action. May 2011;2(2):100-112. 
7. Sundgot-Borgen J, Torstveit M. Aspects of disordered eating continuum in elite high-intensity sports. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports. October 2, 2010;20:112-121. 
8. Torstveit M, Rosenvinge J, Sundgot-Borgen J. Prevalence of eating disorders and the predictive power of risk models in female elite athletes: a controlled study. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports. February 2008;18(1):108-118.