The Winter Olympics will be here in about two months. It seems the whole world takes a break from their regular activities to admire the talents of the best athletes in the world every two years (alternating between winter and summer events).
And milk will be getting some exposure in February 2018 during the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, which is located in the Republic of Korea.
Nine out of 10 U.S. Olympians and Paralympians grew up drinking milk. That is a strong endorsement from some of the strongest and finest athletes in the world.
While the Winter Games center around snow and ice events, the athletes are varied in their body shape and form. An ice dancer typically does not look like a curler. Both need flexibility, precision, and balance, but I would venture to guess their training is not very similar.
And that is one of the great values of milk. It can benefit people, and athletes, of various ages, sizes, and disciplines.
So, if you are watching any of the 15 winter sports – the speed skaters, a hockey game, cross-country skiers, or the biathletes shooting at targets as they ski through the woods – milk has likely played a role in their muscle development, bone-building, and recovery. These are all strengths and benefits dairy provides.
MilkPEP has launched a milk promotion campaign tied to the Olympics. The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) is funded by the nation’s milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption.
Here is a glimpse of Maddie Bowman, a professional freeskier and Olympic Gold Medalist. She grew up drinking milk and this clip gives some insight into her training and how milk fuels her passion.
Even if you are not a big sports fan, the Olympics are special. Enjoy the talent the athletes possess and lift a glass of milk to their efforts and achievements.
The author is the online media manager and is responsible for the website, webinars, and social media. A graduate of Modesto Junior College and Fresno State, she was raised on a California dairy and frequently blogs on youth programs and consumer issues.
