The Daily Food Intakes of Olympic Athletes [8 pics]

 

Reuters photographer Umit Betkas has an interesting article and accompanying photogallery on the daily food intakes of several athletes on Turkey’s Olympic team currently participating in London.

Umit said his greatest challenge was persuading athletes to spare a few hours in the studio and take a short break from their exercise programs. He also had to obtain permission to shoot from not only the athletes, but their respective coaches, trainers and sports federation committees.

The food arranged on the table was derived from lists provided by the athletes themselves. It’s interesting to see the difference in each athlete’s meals as they strive to reach their daily 3000-3500 kCal intake.

To read the article or see the entire gallery head to the following links:

Article – http://blogs.reuters.com/photographers-blog/2012/07/16/what-an-olympian-eats/
Gallery – http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR33B9R#a=1

[via PetaPixel]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkish wrestler and Olympic hopeful Elif Jale Yesilirmak, 26, poses in front of her daily meal intake in Ankara May 29, 2012. Yesilirmak sticks to a 3000 kcal-a-day diet. “Instead of red meat I generally eat salmon. I believe fish is more healthy and nutritious. And also, lots of water. I drink a minimum of five litres of water every day,” she says. [Source: Umit Bektas/REUTERS]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkish weightlifter and Olympic hopeful Mete Binay, 27, poses in front of his daily meal intake in Ankara May 29, 2012. Binay is a world champion weightlifter and his daily diet is 3500 kcal. He drinks at last two glasses of milk every night. His diet is largely composed of red meat. He consumes plenty of sweet desserts everyday and takes care never to miss a full breakfast. Binay is also keen on organic food. Shortly before competitions he begins to supplement his diet with ergogenic aids and vitamin pills. – [Source: Umit Bektas/REUTERS]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkish 800-metre runner and Olympic hopeful Merve Aydin, 22, poses in front of her daily meal intake in Ankara May 23, 2012. Aydin will run at the Olympics for the first time this year. Her daily intake is 3000 kcal. Although she is rigorously training for the Games, she remains guarded on the outcome. “It is more important for me to realise my true potential and limitations. And do the best I can. I work hard and keep a careful diet,” she says. – [Source: Umit Bektas/REUTERS]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkish javelin thrower and Olympic hopeful Fatih Avan, 23, poses in front of his daily meal intake in Ankara May 29, 2012. Avan made the world’s second best throw of 2012 but the Olympic Games have a special place in his heart. “I may have become an elite athlete with my good performances but I can only be a great athlete if I can win an Olympic medal,” he says. Avan complements his rigorous training schedule with a nutritional programme which gives him a daily intake of 3500 kcal. His diet is mainly protein-based. “A good diet is essential for power. A correct and consistent diet proves its value in my training,” he says. – [Source: Umit Bektas/REUTERS]