With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, let's explore why some of the best athletes around the world are already a step, stroke or wheel ahead of their biggest competitors before the Olympics has even begun.

Preparation for Paris 2024

As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, athletes across various sports are incorporating altitude training into their preparation strategies. Cycling, swimming, running, triathlon and hockey are some of the sports in which athletes featuring at this year's Olympics will have the altitude advantage.

These athletes typically spend several weeks to months sleeping at moderate to high altitudes in altitude tents simulating 1500 to 2500 meters above sea level. Their altitude systems are full of technology making the systems controllable through their phones and exceptionally comfortable. This prolonged exposure to reduced oxygen levels stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity and enhancing endurance and recovery time.

Learning from the Best

The best athletes learn from their predecessors. Abebe Bikila, the iconic Olympic gold medallist, utilised the benefits of living at high altitude to drive himself towards triumph. Hailing from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia (elevation 2355m), Bikila was naturally primed for optimal aerobic capacity. In the 1960 Rome Olympics Men's Marathon, Bikila astonished his competitors by shattering the world record while running barefoot thanks to his altitude advantage.

Michael Phelps, one of the most decorated Olympians in history, learned from Abebe and used altitude as a strategic advantage in his preparation for major competitions. The biggest difference… Phelps didn’t live at a natural high altitude, he used an altitude tent in his own home. This allowed him to improve his endurance and overall fitness levels without leaving his home environment, giving him an edge over his competitors in the pool on his way to 28 Olympic medals.

Conclusion

As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for excellence. For many Olympic hopefuls, altitude training, particularly through sleeping at altitude, has become a cornerstone of their preparation strategy. By harnessing the physiological benefits, these athletes have a competitive edge and maximize their chances of success on the world stage. As the excitement builds and the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Paris.  Expect to see world records broken, names etched into Olympic history and altitude playing an integral part in athlete success.