Olive Oil: Tradition and Triumph in Sports

The Olympic Games are about to start in Paris, marking the 33rd edition of this historic international event. As a competition symbolizing peace and unity, the Olympics bring together athletes from around the world to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Olive branches, a timeless symbol of peace, have been intricately woven into the history of the Games. In ancient times, victors were crowned with olive branch wreaths, celebrating their athletic triumphs and honoring their achievements. But that's not the only way olives play a role in the Olympics.

Olive Branches: A Timeless Symbol of Peace

Throughout ancient Greece, the olive branch symbolized peace and prosperity, embodying the legendary myth of the sacred gift Athena bestowed to Zeus. Shortly after after creating his capital city,  King Cecrops searched for a patron to protect him and his citizens. Two gods, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War, and Poseidon, God of the Sea, wished to lay claim to the state. Before a fight could break out, Zeus prompted  King Cecrops to hold a contest and see which god could deliver a better present. The king and his people would then decide who they wanted as their guardian.

Poseidon was quick with his offering. He planted his trident into the ground, and as the Earth shook, water erupted from the ground to create a saltwater spring; this was his gift. With the city having many water resources, the crowd lacked excitement. Athena went after; she knelt down, planted a seed, and a gigantic olive tree shot out of the ground in a matter of seconds. Immediately, Athena’s gift was met with enthusiasm. The tree provided wood, food, and olive oil, giving them multiple resources. Athena was declared triumphant due to the limitless prospects of  her donation, and King Cecrops crowned her patron. The city was named Athens in her honor, and the olive tree now symbolizes wisdom and victory. 

Olive Oil and Wreaths in the Ancient Olympic Games

This tale was immortalized in the ancient Olympic Games, where victorious athletes were crowned with olive wreaths, considered the highest possible award in ancient Greece: winners were not only celebrated for their physical prowess but also for their honor and determination, a testament to the revered status of the olive tree.  In addition, in ancient times, amphorae filled with olive oil were given as prizes to the winners (the tradition was reinstated for winning athletes in the 2004 Olympics held in Greece). 

Olive Oil: A Key Asset in Ancient Competitions

In the competitions themselves, olive oil was considered a key to success. Before participating, athletes would apply olive oil to their skin to reduce friction and prevent injuries during events. The oil created a smooth, shiny surface, allowing for better movement and agility. Post-competition, applying olive oil helped in muscle recovery, often massaged into their skin to aid in relaxation and alleviate muscle soreness. The legacy of olive oil's importance at the ancient Olympic Games continues in modern times. 

Modern Athletic Training and Olive Oil

Even today,  olive oil can play a pivotal role in athletic training.  Dr. Antonio Escribano, Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition and Professor of Sports Nutrition at the Catholic University of Murcia, Spain, presented at the 2024 Olive Oil World Congress (OOWC), a conference recently held in Madrid to explore among other things the multifaceted benefits of olive oil.

Dr. Escribano highlighted the many benefits olive oil adds to athletic performance, starting with reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and promoting overall physical resilience.  The antioxidants and polyphenols like oleocanthal that are present in extra virgin olive oil help athletes reduce swelling and muscle soreness after intense training sessions or competitions, allowing their bodies to recover more efficiently and with less fatigue. Like ancient Olympians, today's athletes also ofthen use olive oil topically for skin care and muscle massages. Its moisturizing properties help maintain healthy skin, while massages with olive oil can soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.

Dr. Escribano also showcased evidence linking olive oil consumption to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced muscle endurance, and accelerated post-exercise recovery times. The energy production of muscle cells that cultivate muscle function is increased by consumption of oleic acid, which also has anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, olive oil’s monounsaturated fats can aid in weight management by providing satiety and helping athletes maintain a balanced diet. Its inclusion in meals can help control hunger and prevent overeating. His findings underlined the relevance of ancient practices in contemporary sports science, positioning olive oil as a cornerstone in modern athletic medicine. He summed it up saying, "olive oil and health are an inseparable binomial and is the best fat that can be used when doing sports." 

Renowned Athletes and Olive Oil

Olive oil has made its way into the locker rooms and training facilities of many professional athletes. Dr. Escrbano himself has been a consulting doctor to many elite athletes, including champion soccer players with Sevilla FC, Athletic Club of Bilbao, Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético de Madrid. 

Mountain climber Jimmy Chin also see olive oil as a key part of his diet. Chin attributes much of his endurance and strength to this versatile ingredient. On expeditions like his challenging ascent of Meru, Chin relied on olive oil for its high caloric content and nutritional benefits. He values it not only for its energy-boosting properties but also for its ability to enhance the flavor of his meals, even in the most extreme conditions. Whether facing the rigors of a four-day snowstorm or preparing for the next summit, olive oil remains an essential component of his dietary regimen, fueling his remarkable achievements in the world of climbing.

Rafael Nadal, the world-renowned tennis player, is another prominent advocate for the benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Nadal credits extra virgin olive oil with improving his athletic performance. The healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil provide a sustainable energy source that helps him maintain high energy levels during intense training sessions and matches. Rafa even became a spokesperson for olive oil! 

The Enduring Significance of Olive Oil in Sports

From ancient to modern times, olive oil in has demonstrated its enduring value in sports. It is a natural, multifunctional, and scientifically-backed tool for optimizing athletic performance and recovery, for preventing injury and promoting overall well-being. As sports science continues to evolve, the wisdom of olive oil is being integrated into cutting-edge training regimens, solidifying its status as an essential component of athletic excellence. 

Here's to bringing back those olive branch wreaths!

Additional resources:

How extra virgin olive oil boosts athletic performance: benefits for athletes

Dietary Olive Oil Intake Improves Running Endurance with Intramuscular Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Mice