Powerade gives local athlete a chance to ‘Train like an Olympian’

Eugene Strauss from Gauteng, one of the Old Mutual Two Oceans runners, won a trip to the London 2012 Olympic Games where he will ‘Train Like an Olympian’ at the Powerade Sports Academy from 5 - 10 August. 

Strauss won the once in a lifetime experience after entering the Powerade ‘Train like an Olympian’ competition at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo. It is not often that someone from the public gets a chance to experience exactly what it is like to be an Olympian. 

“This is an amazing opportunity,” said an excited Strauss who has never been to London.  “I have been an enthusiastic sportsman throughout my life, excelling in the 100m sprint, and played rugby and cricket at Club level. To get the opportunity to train with an Olympic coach as well as meet Olympic athletes is a dream come true. I will also experience the spirit, atmosphere and excitement of an Olympics and perhaps get to meet my favourite athlete, Usain Bolt.”

The 33 year old Accountant, who is married with two young children, started running marathons three years ago.  This year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon was his first and he has identified the New York and London Marathons as races he would like to conquer at some stage.

The Powerade Sports Academy allows athletes a chance to meet and train with Olympic coaches and athletes, focusing on skills in five different Olympic sports including athletics, swimming, football, cycling and basketball.

The coaches will tailor make sessions using techniques from these sports to strengthen condition and help the participants become better all round Sportspeople.

The Academy will deliver experiences and learning’s in technique, fitness, team work, competition, hydration, nutrition and psychology.

Specifically, throughout the Academy the participants will be educated on hydration and how hydrating correctly with Powerade can optimize performance.  There will be both physical and psychological tests carried out throughout the experience to help put these learning’s into perspective.

“Powerade is a performance sports drink, and as such, everything we do around our sporting assets ties back to a scientific approach to hydration and exercise,” said Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager.”