Ever wondered how Olympic athletes maintain peak performance in gruelling training sessions and competitions?
Hydration is one of the most overlooked but critical components of elite athletic success. At Skuma, we’re proud to support Adam Burgess -Olympic canoe slalom finalist, health advocate, and certified breathwork coach - who embodies a holistic approach to training, hydration, and recovery.
‘Take care of the basics. Hydration is one of those areas of performance that seems so simple, it can easily be overlooked. But get it wrong, and performance can quickly suffer.
When it comes to health, I love an easy win. Filtering your water properly is exactly that’ - Adam Burgess
From understanding fluid balance to selecting the right minerals, here’s what athletes do differently, and how you can apply these pro tips to your own routine.
How Top Athletes Like Adam Burgess Stay Hydrated:
Hydration Begins Before Training, Not During
- Studies show starting workouts already hydrated reduces perceived exertion and improves endurance (Judelson et al., 2007). Olympic athletes like Adam follow strict pre-training hydration routines, sipping mineral-rich water hours before sessions to optimise plasma volume and thermoregulation.
Morning of Race:
‘First thing I drink a litre of water before breakfast straight from my MY™Station. Bonus if it can be outside with the sun on my face, I use the Mineral-Boost MY™Bases’
Pre Race:
‘Pre race I drink a litre of water with a lot of salt slowly over 30 minutes starting 90 minutes before my start’
Electrolyte Balance: The Secret Weapon
- Sweat isn’t just water loss—it’s a mix of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Research in Sports Medicine (2018) highlights that optimal performance depends on replacing these electrolytes to maintain nerve and muscle function. Adam uses precision-controlled electrolyte blends to stay ahead of cramping and fatigue, just like Sküma's Mineral-Boost blend provides.
During:
‘Because of this big salt solution I then don’t need to drink too much during but if there’s multiple rounds of competition I will drink a smaller version of this in between, with my purified water from MY™Station’
Hydrate for the Environment
- Elite athletes adjust fluid intake based on temperature, humidity, and training intensity. Hot, humid conditions dramatically increase sweat rates, requiring higher fluid and electrolyte intake.
Post Race:
‘Post race I rehydrate with plain water and aim to have my last drink around 8pm to prevent waking in the night’
About Adam
Adam is a Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist, European medalist, and world top 5-ranked canoe slalom athlete. Passionate about health optimisation, he is also a qualified Oxygen Advantage breathwork coach, focusing on breathing techniques to improve performance, recovery, and well-being - making him the perfect partner for Sküma's mission of personalised, purpose-driven hydration.
Hydrate Like an Olympian
Adam trusts Sküma's pure, mineral-enhanced hydration system to support his elite performance. Our Sküma bases recreate the perfect mineral profile for peak hydration, whether you’re training like a pro or just staying healthy at home.
Upgrade your hydration with Skuma →
Citations
- Judelson, D.A. et al. (2007). “Hydration and muscular performance: does fluid balance affect strength, power and high-intensity endurance?” Sports Medicine
- Sawka, M.N. et al. (2007). “Exercise and fluid replacement.” American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand
- Thomas, D.T. et al. (2016). “Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition and athletic performance.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
