The 2024 summer Olympics in Paris are now underway and with OMGTea fans including past Olympic medallists Becky Adlington, Colin Jackson, Jamie Baulch, and Denise Lewis, it’s the perfect time to explore the world of sport and how quality matcha can support elite athletes in achieving their goals.

In the world of Olympic sports, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to more than just physical strength. Mental clarity, focus, and a state of mindfulness are essential to an athlete’s success. Remaining calm and focused can make a massive difference in high-pressure situations and matcha has long been associated with mindfulness and mental well-being.

Matcha has been a staple of Japanese culture for centuries, and the Zen Buddhist Monks would consume matcha to stay alert and focused during long periods of meditation.

These benefits continue to be experienced by consumers of quality matcha today. So how can this help elite and Olympic athletes?

Matcha provides sustained energy and mental clarity

Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike the boost and subsequent crash associated with coffee, matcha provides a more sustained energy boost that can last 3 to 6 hours. This is due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness; it latches onto the caffeine and slows down its release into the blood stream. For Olympic athletes, this could mean sustained energy and focus throughout training and competition.

Retired British Swimmer and Olympic Gold and Bronze Medallist, Rebecca Adlington, loves the clean energy boost matcha gives her,

I support my overall health and wellbeing with self-care, and matcha has become a vital part of my daily routine, leaving me feeling satisfied and with a sense of calm. My matcha brand is OMGTea, I love the smooth taste and the clean energy boost it gives me for hours after drinking it.

Matcha can help athletes maintain concentration

Even the most seasoned and successful athletes can experience moments of lost concentration or focus during the Olympics. The L-theanine found in abundance in quality matcha enhances alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a state of relaxed alertness and focused attention and is a key benefit experienced by regular matcha drinkers. 83% of participants who took part in our Matcha Challenge earlier this year said they experienced improved focus when consuming OMGTea matcha regularly and felt that they could concentrate on tasks more effectively.

This heightened state of focus is crucial for athletes who need to maintain concentration during both competitions and training and by promoting a state of calm alertness, matcha can help athletes stay present and fully engaged in the moment.

Matcha can help athletes manage stress more effectively

The pressures of competing at the highest level can be stressful and anxiety inducing. Matcha helps mitigate these effects by promoting a sense of calm. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine reduces anxiety levels and helps athletes manage stress more effectively. This mental calmness allows athletes to perform at their best, even under intense pressure.

Retired British Sprinter, Olympic silver medallist and OMGTea matcha drinker, Jamie Baulch says,

The key benefit I experience after having my matcha is an increase in focus and concentration.  How I wish I had OMGTea matcha when I was competing! The mental demands of competing at the highest level can be immense and I truly believe it would have made it a smoother ride.

Matcha can support resilience and mindfulness

Matcha’s rich antioxidant content, particularly catechins like EGCG, supports overall brain health by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation. This contributes to improved mental resilience, supporting athletes with the mental demands of training and competition. A resilient mind is better equipped to handle setbacks and stay focused on long-term goals.

Furthermore, the ritual of preparing and consuming matcha can enhance mindfulness, with the process of whisking the matcha serving as a meditative practice, helping athletes centre themselves. 90% of participants in the OMGTea Matcha said they felt more present in the moment when they consumed matcha on a daily basis.

The pursuit of Olympic excellence requires not only physical strength and skill but also a deeply focused and mindful approach. Matcha, with its unique combination of caffeine, L-theanine, and antioxidants, provides a natural way to enhance mental clarity, focus, and calm. By incorporating matcha into their routines, Olympic athletes can achieve a Zen-like state of mindfulness that supports peak performance.