DIET ESSENTIAL FOR ANY ATHLETE – ‘SWAZI BOLT’

MBABANE – With 10 days to go before sprinter Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa competes in the IAAF World Championships, the athlete is cautious about his diet and training programme.

He said as the competitions get close, he has since changed his diet to one that almost suits professional athletes like World Record holder Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

Matsenjwa said as an athlete, he always carries fruits, water, energy bar, packed berries and good morning biscuits. He said he avoids sugary cereals or food with a lot of fat.

Matsenjwa said he supplements his training with healthy eats that help him build strength, sustain energy, and recover faster.
Matsenjwa said during the training session, he always makes sure that he takes some snacks and also drinks lots of water or energy drinks. He said he had to make sure that he is not training on an empty stomach and adds energy to the body by eating the energy bars and fruits, especially banana.

“During competitions, all athletes eat one menu provided at the village. This is almost the same menu that I’m eating,” he said.
Matsenjwa said at times, it depends on the athlete’s appetite. He said some events demands that you eat a large chunk of food.
It is best to eat a meal rich in carbohydrates an hour or two before the competition starts.

This gives the athlete a consistent boost of energy throughout the entire competition.
Foods rich in complex carbohydrates include pasta, cereal, vegetables, peanut butter and bread.

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