U.S. Olympic athletes know what it takes to build a champion: a lifetime of determination and training, countless competitions and years of fueling their bodies with the right foods and beverages.

A survey1 was conducted among U.S. Olympians, Paralympians and Olympic/Paralympic hopefuls, and the more than 1,000 who responded rated a healthy diet even higher than their intense training schedule as a key to their success.

It’s not just a healthy diet they’re seeking – it’s the right mix of nutrients to help them reach their peak training, and that includes high-quality protein, like the protein in milk. Milk is a nutrient powerhouse with nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of natural protein, in each 8-ounce serving. It provides a nutrient package that’s hard to find in any other single food or beverage.

According to the survey, nine out of 10 U.S. Olympian respondents grew up drinking milk*, largely thanks to encouragement from their moms. In addition, U.S. Olympic Training Centers, where athletes train at the highest level, serve tens of thousands of gallons of milk every year.

“I’m always focused on getting the right nutrients to help fuel my training and protein is something I aim to get in every morning,” said Jennifer Kessy, professional beach volleyball player and London 2012 Olympic Games silver medal winner. “My mom encouraged me to drink milk growing up because of all the nutrients you get in one glass. Milk is still a staple in my diet, and now that I am a mom, I try to take what my mother taught me about healthy eating and nutrition and pass it on to my daughter.”

Not only is milk helping fuel Team USA, fans also have the chance to learn how to train like an Olympian when they purchase white milk for their families. Through August 28, fans are encouraged to upload receipts from milk purchases to milklife.com/champions. Each uploaded milk receipt provides an opportunity to win** official prizes, including a trip to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, a web training session with a Team USA athlete and co-branded Team USA gear.

To learn more and to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes videos from Team USA athletes, visit milklife.com/teamusa, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

¹KRC Research conducted an online survey among retired, current, and hopeful U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on behalf of MilkPEP between February 23 and March 7, 2016. The U.S. Olympic Committee and its National Governing Bodies distributed e-mail invitations with a link to the survey to its retired, current, and hopeful athletes inviting them to participate. In total, across Olympic and Paralympic sports, 1,113 completed the ten-minute survey (675 Olympians, 93 Paralympians and 345 hopefuls in training).

*9 out of 10 finding based on 675 responses received from survey invitations sent to U.S. Olympians.

**NO PURCHASE / PAYMENT NECESSARY. Open to 50 U. S. or D.C legal residents, 18 or older. Enter between 6/13/16 and 8/28/16. Visit http://milklifechampions.com/rules for Official Rules, entry method and free entry. Sponsor: The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. ©2016 America’s Milk Companies®.

Sponsored by MilkPEP