No evidence that sex spoils sport

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http://www.yourhealth.com.sg/content/no-evidence-sex-spoils-sport

The ancient Greeks believed athletes should avoid sex before sport, but modern Olympians and scientists are torn over the merits of in-competition coitus and whether abstinence enhances performance.

For years coaches and athletes have practiced abstinence the night or even weeks before a big event, although all bets are off when the medal ceremony is over - 150,000 condoms are handed out to the 10,500 athletes competing at the London Games.

Boxer Muhammad Ali reportedly went without sex for 6 weeks before a big fight, and during the 1998 football World Cup, the then English coach Glenn Hoddle famously forbade his squad from having sex during the month-long event.

Experts say the long-standing "no sex before sport" myth has yet to be explored fully, however. Most research has been based on the physiological impact and, so far, having sex has not been found to reduce physical strength, power or endurance.

"Those who claim it decreases performance usually say it is because it decreases focus or aggression or tension. There are no studies that have examined this."