What Does a Professional Swimmer Eat?

Looking for some new meal ideas to keep you fueled during training and on race day? We caught up with Team Speedo’s Abbey Weitzeil to find out about the champion sprinter’s meals.

Abbey Weitzeil is regarded as one of the top US female sprinters, holding the American record in the 50m and 100m freestyle. A 2x Olympic Medalist and 2x World Championship Medalist, Abbey became the first woman in history to swim 50 yards in under 21 seconds.

Out of the pool, Abbey rates herself a 7/10 when it comes to cooking and has some great meal ideas for you to try.

Before a Race

“The night before a race it’s time to fuel up. My favourite meal is grilled or baked salmon, with vegetables and rice or pasta”.

If racing a while after your last meal, think like Abbey and snack on something sweet to give you a sugar boost about an hour before the race.

“On race day my advice is to eat smart and make sure you are eating enough calories to fuel your body and your swim.”

Abbey’s diet doesn’t vary much between training and racing. Here’s a run-through of Abbey’s go-to meals during training to give you some meal inspiration.

Breakfast

Oatmeal and breakfast bars

Vegetable scramble, with sweet potatoes, onions, and peppers (or anything you have in your fridge!), topped with two boiled eggs and toast on the side.

Avocado toast with smoked salmon and a soft-boiled egg on top, with a side of fruit or a smoothie

Bagel with smoked salmon, onion, and capers

Breakfast burrito with bacon, vegetables, eggs, and potato

Lunch

Waffles with peanut butter

Peanut butter on toast

Lunch meat vegetable wrap in a tortilla

Dinner

Roasted sweet potato, onion, and brussels sprouts with salmon or baked tofu.

Homemade pizza with onions, spinach and goat’s cheese.

Tacos filled with whatever you want!

Mixed green and arugula salad with garlic and lemon dressing and Parmesan cheese

Vegetable, chicken and noodle soup.

You can find out more about Abbey here.