Athletes told to manage jet lag before the Games start

PETALING JAYA: Athletes thrive when they are at their peak physical condition but long flights and jet lag can sometimes play spoilsport.

With this in mind, Malaysia’s Commonwealth Games chef de mission, Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, has issued a word of caution to the local contingent to get their sleep schedules on track during Glasgow Games starting today.

The trimmed Games this year has resulted in only 59 athletes, including 22 para athletes, competing in eight of the 10 sports hosted in Scotland.

These athletes faced more than 15 hours of air travel and a seven-hour time difference before they can even begin their competition. Awalan emphasized the importance of immediate settlement after arrival to ensure they beat the jet lag.

“They (the athletes) must adapt as quickly as possible, particularly those arriving at the last minute, before their events,” Awalan stated after observing the training sessions in Glasgow.

The chef de mission had previously set a target of five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals for the contingent.

Following his assessment of the training, Awalan expressed satisfaction that the extensive preparations in the months leading up to the Games have yielded positive results, with most athletes in optimal condition to reach that goal.

However, he promptly added that priority should now be given to recovery and fitness by reducing the training load and prioritizing recovery, fitness, and overall health.

“The training and preparation for these Games have been intense. Therefore, it is crucial that they are in peak physical condition and fully prepared for competition day.”