In a world where nutrition plays a pivotal role in athletic performance, milk emerges as an unexpected yet powerful ally. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) star and NSW Dairy Industry Ambassador, Kezie Apps, along with renowned sports dietitian Chloe McLeod, to explore the profound impact of dairy on sport recovery and community engagement. Their insights not only highlight the nutritional value of milk but also underscore the deep connections between sport, community, and health.
Kezie Apps' journey from a dairy farm in Bega to the elite fields of NRLW is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. Growing up amidst the lush pastures of the Far South Coast of NSW, Kezie fondly recalls her childhood filled with motorbike rides, calf feeding, and backyard footy with her family. Her early years were marked by a love for rugby league, initially thought to be a boys' sport. However, her brothers' encouragement led her to join the local junior team at age eight. Though her playing days were paused at 12 due to league restrictions, a chance encounter with the Australian Jillaroos' World Cup victory reignited her passion, setting her on a path to represent both NSW and Australia.
Chloe McLeod's story is equally inspiring. Hailing from the rural town of Naracoorte in South Australia, Chloe's childhood was steeped in sport and a strong sense of nutrition, influenced by her experiences with food intolerances and eczema. This early understanding of nutrition's role in wellbeing led her to a career in sports dietetics, where she has worked with athletes across a wide range of disciplines, including elite rugby league teams like the Parramatta Eels.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of elite sports, where even the smallest gains can be the difference between winning and losing. Chloe passionately believes in the power of good nutrition to enhance performance and recovery. "Good nutrition can have a huge impact on performance," she explains. "Particularly in the elite space, it's about finding that 1% improvement that can make all the difference."
Kezie shares this sentiment, noting how her understanding of nutrition evolved throughout her career. "It probably wasn't until I was playing elite sport that I really understood the importance of nutrition," she says. "Now I know how that little 1% can help, and it's something I've learned to appreciate."
Among the array of nutritional options available to athletes, dairy milk stands out for its unique benefits. Its rich composition of easily absorbed protein, essential amino acids, calcium, and electrolytes makes it an ideal choice for post-exercise recovery. Chloe highlights milk's role as a natural sports drink, noting its comprehensive nutrition profile. "Milk is fantastic because it's got the protein, the carbohydrates, the electrolytes, and the fluid. It's perfect for the whole recovery process, not just rehydration."
For choccy milk lovers, there's good news. Flavoured milk offers additional carbohydrates, making it even more effective for recovery. "Flavoured milk works so well," Chloe explains. "It's a rich source of protein, electrolytes, and calcium, and the extra flavouring helps with recovery a little more."
Kezie’s connection to her rural roots and commitment to community are evident in her role as an NSW Dairy Industry Ambassador. She actively participates in school and community health education, emphasising the importance of supporting local farmers. Kezie encourages her teammates to purchase products like Bega Cheese, knowing they are supporting real farmers. "I always encourage them to buy Bega," she says. "They understand they're supporting real farmers."
Kezie's passion for giving back extends to fostering female sport. She is deeply invested in creating opportunities for young girls to pursue their athletic dreams, opportunities that were not available to her growing up. "It's heartwarming to see the growth of women's rugby league and other sports," she says. "There are so many avenues for young females to aspire to play at an elite level."
The conversation with Kezie and Chloe underscores the multifaceted role of dairy in sports nutrition, recovery, and community engagement. Milk, with its rich nutritional profile, stands out as a natural sports drink, providing essential nutrients for athletes at all levels. Kezie and Chloe's stories are a testament to the power of nutrition and community, reminding us of the vital connections between what we consume and how we perform.
As we continue to explore the intersection of nutrition and sport, it is clear that milk, nature's sports drink, will remain a valuable ally for athletes everywhere. Whether you are an elite athlete or an everyday sports enthusiast, incorporating dairy into your diet can help you achieve your best and support your local community along the way.
This Activity is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments’ Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.
