WASHINGTON, U.S. – As anticipation builds for one of the biggest summers in sport, many of the nation’s elite athletes are in their most intense training period as they aim to go stronger, further and faster for a chance to make history.
Swimming medalists Tyler Clary and Jessica Hardy – and many athletes like them – trust the post-exercise recovery benefits of chocolate milk to help keep them at the top of their game.
A new national marketing campaign showcases these world-class athletes, giving an up close look at how their preparations for the world stage are BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK™.
The USA swimmers’ training regimen means being in the water 10 or more times a week plus weight lifting and dryland exercises. To give it their all in every grueling session, it’s essential for them to restore their bodies after each swim or workout.
That’s why for years, both athletes have turned to chocolate milk as their go-to recovery drink. More than 20 studies support the benefits of recovering with the high-quality protein and nutrients in lowfat chocolate milk after a tough workout.
Champions: BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK
The new BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK campaign features Clary and Hardy in arresting TV, print and digital advertising debuting March 27. The 30-second TV spot captures the athletes swimming as they would in competition – muscles flexing, tightening and rippling – with one unique difference: there is no water. The spot celebrates the machine that is the human body – one that is BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK, unobstructed by water.
“My training isn’t complete when I get out of the pool – recovery is an essential part of every workout,” said Tyler Clary. “For years, chocolate milk has been my first choice for recovery. It tastes great after my grueling workouts and it has a carbohydrate to protein ratio to help the body recover and basically rebuild after a really hard session.”
“I’ve been drinking chocolate milk after every practice and race for as long as I can remember. It’s the thing I look forward to most,” said Jessica Hardy. “I believe that the protein and nutrients in chocolate milk have helped boost my recovery and contributed to my success as an athlete, plus it’s a ‘real food’ and it’s delicious.”
“We’re proud to partner with two of the nation’s brightest medal hopefuls and share why chocolate milk is the recovery beverage of the world’s best athletes,” said Miranda Abney, Marketing Director at the Milk Processor Education Program, the group behind the BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK campaign. “We look forward to supporting Tyler and Jessica throughout the year while giving others an inspirational look at how they’re preparing to take on the world.”
Official Recovery Beverage of USA Swimming®
In addition to adding world-class swimmers to its roster, the BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK campaign has once again partnered with USA Swimming, the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States.
As the “Official Recovery Beverage of USA Swimming,” the partnership will highlight the important role that chocolate milk plays in the post-workout ritual of all competitive swimmers through product sampling at USA Swimming events, digital and social media content and branded exposure in Splash Magazine.
“So many elite and National Team athletes trust chocolate milk for their recovery because it’s backed by science, so this partnership is a natural fit for USA Swimming,” said Matt Farrell, Chief Marketing Officer of USA Swimming.
“We have an important history with the BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK campaign, as they make an impact in athlete performance and promotionally by investing in athletes, scientific studies and then spreading the word through national campaigns. We’re proud to partner with them to help educate the importance of post-exercise recovery.”
Chocolate Milk: Built With Science
More than 20 scientific studies with athletes from sports including swimming, running, cycling and soccer support the benefits of recovering after strenuous exercise with the high-quality protein and nutrients found in lowfat chocolate milk.
In fact, drinking chocolate milk after a tough workout could give athletes a performance edge. Indiana University researchers found that when collegiate, trained swimmers recovered with reduced fat chocolate milk after an exhaustive swim, they swam faster in time trials later that same day.
On average, they shaved off 2.1 seconds per 200 yard swim, and 0.5 seconds per 75 yard sprint, compared to when they recovered with a traditional carbohydrate sports drink or calorie-free beverage1.
“When it comes to competitive swimming, seconds – and even tenths of a second – can mean the difference between standing on top of the podium and going home empty-handed,” said athletic trainer for the 2016 U.S. Swimming National Team, Keenan Robinson.
“Research has shown the protein, carbs and nutrients in chocolate milk aid recovery, meaning athletes may be able to gain a meaningful performance advantage – so I recommend all my athletes drink it after their tough workouts.”
To learn more about the BUILT WITH CHOCOLATE MILK campaign, the science behind the recovery benefits of lowfat chocolate milk, and to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes videos from USA Swimming athletes, visit BuiltWithChocolateMilk.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.
About the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk companies, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. From America’s farm families to milk companies, the full dairy community helps educate consumers about the powerful nutritional benefits of milk – with 9 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, in each 8-ounce glass.
About USA Swimming
As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education.
The membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.
1Stager JM, Brammer CL, Sossong T, Kojima K, Spanbaur D, Grand K, Wright BV. Supplemental recovery nutrition affects swim performance following glycogen depleting exercise. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine, 2014
