Question

Which of the following athletes could benefit most from carbohydrate loading?
Check All That Apply
Baseball playerBaseball player
TriathleteTriathlete
Sprint swimmerSprint swimmer
Body builderBody builder
Long-distance cyclistLong-distance cyclist
Ultra-marathon runnerUltra-marathon runner

Answer 1

Carbohydrate loading is primarily beneficial for athletes participating in endurance events lasting longer than 90 minutes, as it helps to maximize glycogen stores in the muscles and liver.

Based on this criteria, the athletes who could benefit most from carbohydrate loading include:

- **Triathlete**: Endurance event that typically involves swimming, cycling, and running.
- **Long-distance cyclist**: Involves prolonged cycling which benefits from increased glycogen stores.
- **Ultra-marathon runner**: Engages in very long-distance running and would greatly benefit from carbohydrate loading.

The other options, such as the baseball player, sprint swimmer, and bodybuilder, typically do not participate in events that would require carbohydrate loading for performance enhancement.

So, the correct athletes who would benefit most from carbohydrate loading are:

- **Triathlete**
- **Long-distance cyclist**
- **Ultra-marathon runner**