Long-term athlete development (LTAD) is a long journey to create excellent elite athletes to reach peak performance and maintain athlete’s health after retirement. So, many aspects and multiple approaches in management are needed. Collaboration between sports-related science, such as physiology, psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, sports medicine, biomechanics, sports scientists, and strength and conditioning coaches, plays a vital role in ensuring athletes can perform well.
Nutrition is one of the branches of sports science that is fundamental for athletes since the food consumed by athletes affects their health and nutritional status. Ensuring athletes have a healthy eating pattern is crucial to maintain their health. It is generally known that good food brings good body and performance. However, not all athletes understand their nutritional requirements and perform good habits. Role of nutritionist and dietitian is essential to building and nurturing good habits in athletes regarding their awareness of choosing healthier food. Findings from the study by Dr Mirza Hapsari Sakti Titis Penggalih, MPH, RD, showed that nutritionist assistance in training sports centres and sports schools for a minimum of three months could positively improve athletes’ body composition and eating behaviour. However, there are many challenges in implementing nutritionist assistance programs, so collaboration between sports sciences experts, society, academicians, and the government is needed to strengthen the movement and reach the goal of LTAD.
Dr Mirza, a lecturer at the Department of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, UGM, shared about the critical role of nutritionists and collaboration with other sports science experts and the government to assist athletes in reaching the elite stage and obtain LTAD at the sharing session with KONI (Indonesian National Sports Committee) on January 25, 2025. The collaborative sharing session with KONI is part of the partnership for goals that support SDG number 17. It also aimed to educate people about the importance of nutrition in ensuring health and good well-being. It also supports SDG goal number 3.
Kontributor: Dr. Mirza Hapsari Sakti Titis Penggalih MPH, RD., Marina Hardiyanti M.Sc
SDGs: 3. Good Health and Wellbeing; 17. Partnership for the goals