A Focus on Performance

 

by James Skitt - 21.04.10

The disruption to air travel caused by the volcanic ash cloud over the UK has had a well reported effect on the travel plans of athletes and sports teams, with many forced to revise plans and make long journeys by road, train and ferry.

But what effect can this have on performance? eis2win.co.uk spoke to two English Institute of Sport (EIS) experts to find out more…

EIS Physiologist Jonathan Leeder says: “The main issue with travelling long distances ahead of competition is dealing with travel fatigue.

“The more time the athletes can have between the end of their journey and the start of competition the better, but providing they manage their hydration, eat well and maintain a consistent sleep pattern there is nothing to suggest that their cognitive function or physical capabilities would be adversely affected.

“Perhaps the greater challenge to athletes forced to spend extra time travelling is the break in their usual routine not just before competition but during their recovery afterwards.

“If a return journey prevents any athlete from undertaking their usual recovery strategies then that could potentially have an adverse affect on their performance over the next week or so if they are required to compete again.

“Sticking as closely as possible to a normal routine will be important as well as maintaining good nutrition and regular sleep patterns.”

But what will the break in routine and extra time spent travelling have on athletes from a psychological point of view?

EIS Psychologist Simon Drane says: “Most athletes are well used to travelling and already have various strategies in place to ensure they are focused and ready to compete.

“Clearly when plans are changed or disrupted and there is uncertainty about how they will travel these strategies are tested and the way in which an athlete responds will vary greatly depending on the individual, with some coping better than others.

“Some will respond well and take it all in their stride, but equally others might find it stressful and disruptive. Another factor is whether friends, family or supporters are affected and unable to travel with them, which could also have an unsettling effect.

“On the other hand, there is potential for teams especially to pull together, which will do no harm for team spirit of course, but the best scenario is to try and stick to as closely as possible, a normal travel routine.”

Among the many athletes affected in the last week, British Eventer Oliver Townsend’s journey to the Rolex Grand Slam in Kentucky, USA, from his home in Shropshire took in London, Paris, Madrid and Miami, whilst the Great Britain Judo squad have travelled some 900 miles by road to Vienna for the Senior European Championships starting on Thursday.

Meanwhile the European Gymnastics Championships in Birmingham has been delayed by a day to allow teams more time to travel across Europe to the event, whilst the final leg of the FINA Diving World series, due to be held in Sheffield this weekend, will now take place in Mexico where athletes have remained following the second leg of the series last weekend.

Photography © Getty Images