Game on: Does sex really impact players' performance?

Explore how the late Pele's revelation challenges stereotypes, uncovering the link between intimacy and peak soccer performance. The myth debunked!

Sex has long been a subject of fascination and speculation in the world of sports. From ancient Greek times, when it was believed that abstaining from sex could fuel an athlete's greatness, to more recent myths like Rocky Balboa's trainer proclaiming that "women weaken the legs," the relationship between sex and athletic performance has been a matter of conjecture. But how accurate are these beliefs in today's sporting world? Let us delve into this intriguing topic and explore the words of the late legendary footballer Pele, who famously embraced a different perspective.

As the 2016 Rio Olympics unfolded, the world watched not only for record-breaking athletic achievements but also for a different kind of record within the Olympic Village. Nearly half a million condoms were distributed to the 12,000 athletes staying there, making it clear that sex plays a significant role in the athlete experience. Yet, the debate persists on how it affects their performance.

In the past, coaches and educators often advocated for athletes to abstain from sex before competing, believing it would channel their energy and aggression towards victory. Mickey, Rocky Balboa's trainer, even famously asserted that "women weaken the legs" as the Italian Stallion prepared for a career-defining fight. However, the landscape has evolved, and the roles seem to have reversed.

"At the end of the '50s and beginning of the '60s, people thought that sex diminished the players' performance," explains Antonio Miguel, head of medical services at the Club Universidad Nacional Pumas, a top soccer club in Mexico, and a former football player. "Coaches gave us nitrate salts (potassium nitrate, a substance used to prevent erections) because, according to them, this would inhibit sexual desire."

Fortunately, the myth of sex hindering athletic performance was rooted in a lack of knowledge, which has since been dispelled. Juan Carlos Medina, general coordinator of the sports department at the Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico, asserts that sexual relations actually offer benefits to athletes. "It helps you feel relaxed and sexually, mentally and physically satisfied," he said. "This contributes to reducing the athlete's anxiety levels before an important match."

Historical examples provide evidence to support this perspective. "The Netherlands national soccer team, at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, is an example of this," says Medina as per CNN."Some of those players were accompanied by their wives, and they won second place. I don't say this is a determinant factor, but it brings support."

Another noteworthy example is Elias Figueroa, a Chilean soccer player, who shared that his coach advised them to have sex the afternoon before an important game. This advice was even repeated after the match, as it was deemed relaxing.

Perhaps one of the most compelling endorsements of sex before a game comes from none other than the late Pele, a football legend in his own right. Pele confessed that he never suspended sexual encounters with his wife before a game. His belief in the relaxing and rejuvenating qualities of sex sheds light on a verified truth that many athletes have come to embrace.

Scientifically, there is no evidence to suggest that sex negatively impacts an athlete's performance. Maria Cristina Rodríguez Gutierrez, director of sports medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), clarifies that the belief in sex affecting performance stems from outdated coaching practices. She emphasizes that the oxygen consumption and calorie expenditure during sexual activity are minimal, stating, "Sex only burns between 200 and 300 kilocalories, which doesn't compare to running a marathon or a regular workout session. You can restore these calories by eating a chocolate bar or drinking a can of soda."

However, Rodriguez highlights that other factors related to sex can indeed affect performance, such as the consumption of alcohol or cigarettes or inadequate sleep. These factors can have a detrimental impact on an athlete's body and should be moderated or avoided altogether.

Antonio Miguel further explains that, over the years, science has affirmed that sexual activity does not influence an athlete's performance, particularly when it involves a steady partner. However, one-night stands and emotionally charged situations can potentially wear an athlete out more than physical exertion.

It is important to note that not all sports are alike in this regard. Combat sports, such as boxing or mixed martial arts, present unique challenges. Rodriguez mentions, "For combat athletes like fighters or boxers, having sex before an important fight can reduce aggressiveness and make them passive."

In the ever-evolving world of sports, where records are broken and boundaries are pushed, it is time to reevaluate our preconceived notions and recognize that the intersection of sex and soccer is not a hindrance but a facet of the holistic athlete experience.