As the world’s top winter athletes competed last month in Pyeongchang, South Korea, most home viewers recognized that they can’t speed down a mountain at 70 mph or launch themselves 20 feet in the air off a halfpipe. Curling, on the other hand, appears more approachable. Sliding a rock down a sheet of ice to hit a target may seem easy, but looks can be deceiving.
It is a game of stamina, precision and balance, and many curlers spend their entire lives honing their skills.
Tabitha Peterson of the U.S. Olympic curling team knows the dedication required to compete against the best in the world. As she trained for the biggest competition of her life, much of the preparation happened off the ice. Tabitha and her teammates work with nutritionists and trainers to incorporate an exercise regimen and healthy diet into their competition schedule.
“It’s very important for me to have a healthy lifestyle and make healthy choices – even when I’m not curling. I have noticed a difference in how I feel – and I have more energy if I do focus on fitness and nutrition more,” Tabitha said.
Watch as Tabitha shares how she prepares for competition.