There have been exponential improvements in the science and practice of sports nutrition since the second edition of this book was released in 1995. Australia achieved its best results ever as host of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, then defied tradition by reaching even greater heights at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Many factors contributed, but we like to think that the increasing role of sports dietitians in the preparation of our teams played a role. Certainly, recognition of sports nutrition`s role has grown on our shores, through the work of groups such as Sports Dietitians Australia, and internationally through activities such as the launch of the International Olympic Committee Diploma of Sports Nutrition and the formation of Professionals in Exercise and Sports Nutrition (PINES). Of course, it is much easier to spread knowledge and practice guidelines via the Information Superhighway. It is hard to believe that the second edition of this book was written without the backdrop of the Internet, email, videoconferencing, and universal use of iPods, mobile phones, wireless and digital electronic connections. How did we ever operate back then? 

What have been the major changes in sports nutrition over the past fifteen years? A number of expert groups have issued or reissued guidelines for the nutrition of athletes. These include the American College of Sports Medicine (Nutrition for athletes—2009; Creatine—2000; Fluid replacement—2007; Female athlete triad—2007); the International Olympic Committee (Nutrition for sport—2003); Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) (Nutrition for football—2005) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) (Nutrition for Athletics—2007). The major theme from the most recent scientific investigations and practice guidelines is a recognition of the individuality of each athlete`s nutritional needs. No longer is it sufficient to promote a `one size fits all` approach to sports nutrition. We now recognise that each sport has specific physiological, cultural and practical issues and that these create a backdrop of special nutritional needs for that sport. We also recognise that each athlete within a sport has his or her own special blend of nutritional needs and challenges, which change over a season and a career. This is true for both the elite competitor and the weekend warrior. Whichever end of the spectrum they come from, athletes will benefit from dietary strategies that allow them to train hard, adapt and recover quickly, stay healthy, achieve their ideal physique, then perform at their best in the competition arena. Today`s sports nutrition climate promotes individual case management, based on finding practical ways to achieve guidelines that are underpinned by sound science.