Volleywood was given the chance to speak with 2012 Olympic silver medalist April Ross about her “HOTTEST” experience in Japan for a beach tourney, her summer playlist and most of all Gatorade’s Beat The Heat Campaign.
SO HOT IN YOKOHAMA
April shares on how she prepared for the hottest tournament she’s ever played in.
“The weather was like 120°C (248°F) on the last day of the tournament. They had a ton of water with ice next to our bench so I had a towel and I’d just dunk it in the ice water and put it around my neck during timeouts. I also brought a lot of Gatorlytes which are little electrolyte packets and I mixed them with my Gatorade. I’d drink that throughout the match. They’d replenish my body so which is perfect.
As for that day, it was really tough. I think it was the most extreme weather I’ve ever played in so far.”
DON’T FORGET: Stay Cool x Replenish x Be Mentally Strong.
SUMMER PLAYLIST
I listen to a lot of rap music when I play so below is my Top 5:
#1 Notorious Thugz by The Notorious B.I.G feat. Bone Thugs
#2 Old Thing Back (Matoma Remix)
#3 Want To Want Me By Jason Derulo
#4 Jump Around By House Of Pain
#5 King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar
BEAT THE HEAT!
As summer temperatures rise and athletes of all levels begin to train and compete in hot conditions, Gatorade has partnered with various professional athletes for the Gatorade “Beat the Heat” educational campaign. In its 11th year, Gatorade “Beat the Heat” aims to raise awareness among athletes, parents and coaches on how proper hydration can help reduce heat-related illnesses during athletic activity.
Gatorade has the perfect combination of fluids, carbohydrates and electrolytes that help fuel and hydrate me and my crew when training or competing in hot and humid conditions.
A couple tips to help athletes stay safe during the hot summer months:
1. There is more than water in sweat, so it’s vital to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you’ve lost.
2. If you’re thirsty, you may already be dehydrated and could put yourself in danger. Once you feel dehydrated, it may be too late. If you’re not feeling well, speak up.
“Beat The Heat Campaign educates athletes of all levels to keep hydrated at all times.” says April.
Click here to read the press release on Beat The Heat.
(images: Gatorade/ Susan Goldman Photography)