Paralympics | Leo-Pekka Tähti’s shopping cart caused disapproval in the store – “We have privacy too”

Athletes there was a lot of talk about eating chocolate last week. According to the expert a treat now and then can fit into an otherwise sensibly composed diet.

Still, stubborn ideas about the puritanical diet of athletes are still in place. A track winder has also experienced it Leo-Pekka Tähti.

Tähti, who has long been at the brightest top of his sport, recalls one shopping trip, when an unknown person came to comment on his purchases.

“I was in a convenience store and bought some light bread, and an older person came to question that it is not possible to exercise with such snacks. That kind of pointless snogging”, says Tähti.

“That’s probably what it’s like when you’re a top athlete, it’s there 24 hours a day and you’re a prisoner of that role. But we also have privacy, what we buy and what we do in our free time is our own business,” says Tähti.

Long a top athlete who has been in the media is easily recognized. Does it affect whether you dare to put even a bag of crisps or a crisp at the cash register?

“Yes, it does make you feel a bit awkward if you pile goodies into the shopping basket like crazy. And then when some are clearly interested in what’s in the basket. And after all, it was only about white bread.”

Tähti prefers discipline, but not that the string is pulled too tight. In revelry, he calls for common sense.

“Athletes are really disciplined, some to the extent that they don’t have the energy to train properly. Mental well-being is everywhere now, including in sports. So if pizza is mentally good, then it’s quite welcome.”

For race food The star doesn’t like pizza, even though he tried it when he was young.

The result was a SE time of 200 meters, but he believes that the time could have been even better with an easier-to-digest fin.

“At that time there was just nothing else available, life is like that sometimes.”

Are there any other things where a top athlete is a prisoner of his role?

“Probably everything that is somehow even remotely related to unhealthiness. In today’s world, social media makes everything so perfect. Maybe you can’t bring up such completely humane things when you’re afraid that someone might disapprove.”

Coaching the world champion of wrestling currently working in the couple Petra Olli has always relied on healthy home cooking, and treats in small quantities have not hurt.

“During the competition diet, they are of course the first to be cleaned out when you have to reduce energy.”

Olli has not faced disapproving comments about his delicious moments, but he recognizes the phenomenon from the image of health attached to the athlete.

In addition to diet, it includes many other things. For example, the fact that the athlete does not use alcohol.

“Yes, there are always those comments that an athlete should not take or drink, but the saying about moderation in everything applies to this as well. For some it is a part of life and for some it is not, it also depends on the time. You shouldn’t take it during the competitions or during the competition season, but sometimes you can take it more casually.”

Also sleep is important for health and sports, but you can’t always get to sleep on time.

“One bad night’s sleep won’t change anything, nobody can be perfect.”

Through experience and growing as an athlete, you learn what is best for you. Not every piece of advice or comment should be taken into account.

“There are always enough home sofa experts like this. It’s important to listen to your own body and the experts in the field.”