The Rising Costs of the London Olympic Budget

The budget for the 2012 Olympic Games could eventually exceed £10 billion, a powerful Commons committee warned. Uncertainty over costs could take the final bill past the Government's latest £9.3 billion estimate because the Olympic Development Agency does not know how much contractors will charge. Should the costs pass £10 billion, the bill would have more than quadrupled since £2.375 billion estimate of 2003.

The National Audit Office (NAO) released its long awaited report into the budget for the games, Mr Leigh said he welcomed the announcement of the £9.3 billion budget, but urged the Government to make "every effort" to stick to this "absolute limit".

Tessa Jowell, the Olympics minister, welcomed the NAO's report. She insisted: "We are determined to keep an iron grip on costs. She added: "There is still a lot to do and we do not underestimate the scale of the task.

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Hydration for Peak Performance

Physical activity increases your fluid needs in several ways. You sweat during exercise to get rid of excess heat. You also lose water when you breathe, especially when the air is dry, since you humidify the air in your lungs. Cold air holds little moisture, and you can lose more than 1 liter of fluid when you exercise for several hours in the winter. In cold air or water, yourblood diverts into your core to prevent heat loss. But this change in core blood volume, stimulating the kidneys to make urine, another form of fluid loss. As you warm up and circulation expands back into the skin, this water needs to be replaced for optimal performance.

Replenish fluids

While thirst tells you it's time to drink, athletes need to drink before the thirst mechanism is activated in order to keep up with rapid fluid losses during exercise, especially when exercise is vigorous and lasts for more than 30 minutes. Here are some guidelines to help you be sure you are getting enough to drink:


1. Check the color of your urine throughout the day. Urine should be pale in colour. Dark, concentrated urine indicates dehydration. Some vitamin supplements cause a fluorescent yellow colouration. If this is your case, then monitor urine volume, which should be plentiful.

2. Practice drinking adequate fluids during training. Learning how to stay hydrated is especially important if you are training for an event requiring prolonged, vigorous activity.If you will be consuming sports drinks, figure out which sports drinks work best for you during your training workouts, not on race day!


3. Drink plenty of water before an important competition. You are limited in how much water you can absorb during exercise, so it is possible to lose water more quickly than you can replace it. Drink plenty of fluids during the 24 hours preceding your event.


4. Drink during exercise. Optimal water intake during a competition varies widely, but sports nutritionists generally recommend about 1 cup every 15 minutes -- more if you are larger or a heavy sweater. Water is fine for shorter events. If exercising for longer periods, a sports drink might be helpful to keep your blood sugar levels up and replace electrolytes lost in sweat. But don't drink too much. Sodium levels in the blood can dip too low when sodium losses through sweating are combined with excessive water intake.


5. Drink after exercise, Sports drinks are especially helpful if you are dehydrated. Consuming fluids with carbohydrate soon after exercise will help your body replenish glycogen stores