Summary:
Taekwondo has been recognized as an Olympic sport since 2000. This martial art requires high levels of specialist and technical skills, flexibility, speed (Sadowski J 2012) quick reflexes, and strength in the upper and lower limbs (Heller J, Peric 1998). From 2000 to 2023 the changes Taekwondo was radically changing not only the way the game was played but also the demands of the sport as well as the athlete and coach had to adapt. The electronic system and the ability of Video Replay, the display of points and rounds, the change of minutes and time of participation, if nothing else made the sport more fair and meritorious, but other opinions argued that a traditional martial art was left to be influenced by technological means mainly changing the way of kicks. New foot and hand techniques were implemented in order for the electronic system to record the points of the athletes more successfully. Nevertheless, Taekwondo, like any combat sport, does not cease to divide the categories of athletes by weight. Consequently, many athletes choose to compete in lower weight classes or choose to do diets and fasts in order to reach their desired weight limit. The purpose of this literature review is to study and provide a comprehensive perspective on the needs
of athletes as a reference, their nutritional needs, the ways they manage sudden changes in body weight, e.g. dehydration, and how it can affect them positively or negatively.
Keywords:
Athletes,Taekwondo,diet,supplements, dehydration
