Dehydration is still a problem for athletes, even during the winter months, according to a performance nutritionist at the English Institute of Sport.

Dr Kevin Currell, who has been working with the Great Britain Speed Skating squad in the run up to the Vancouver Winter Olympics, said: “It may seem strange in the colder climate, but dehydration is a common problem in a cold environment as the body is less likely to signal thirst.

“The suits many of the athletes wear, for example, generally retain a lot of their body heat so they therefore sweat and lose fluids, but if they don’t feel thirsty it can be a struggle to keep them hydrated.  

“For the speed skaters, who produce a high level of lactates, they may often not feel able to take on more fluids after a tough training session or competition, so again strategies need to be in place to keep their hydration levels up.”

Dr Currell said that educating athletes is the key to keeping them hydrated and healthy.