Why Brandon Starc believes in the power of a banana boost

They’re portable, nutritious and taste tops on everything from toast to toffee – now bananas are boosting Little Athletics with a little help from high-jump hero Brandon Starc

Apples get all the credit, but when it comes to your health, high-jump hero Brandon Starc says you really can’t beat a banana a day.

It’s why Coles has donated more than 3.6 million bananas to Little Athletics centres across Australia since 2017.

The nutritious snack is perfect for active kids because bananas are high in complex carbohydrates, plus vitamin B6 to help provide the body with an energy boost.

These Little Athletics legends have the right idea: use your banana as a baton before break time. Picture: supplied

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Brandon Starc eats them to fuel up before a session, as well as for recovery.

“Being a high-jumper, I don’t want anything too heavy in the belly and bananas are that happy medium of making me not so hungry and fuelling me enough to get through my session. They also replenish what I’ve lost through a session,” he said.

“They’re so versatile, I can have them for breakfast, lunch – not dinner, but definitely for dessert. One of my go-to (snacks) is vegemite and bananas on toast and I’ve also been on a bit of a banana pancake grind at the moment.”

The 28-year-old will be defending his title at this year’s Commonwealth Games, but in between training and competitions he’s been part of the Coles fresh produce team since 2011 and a Coles Little Athletics Ambassador since 2018.

Brandon Starc prepares for the next snack attack with Little Athletes in WA. Picture: supplied

“Funnily enough, I put out the bananas! It’s been great working there during my athlete life, Coles are very understanding with my situation and have always been supportive of me when I have to have time off for competitions,” he said.

As an athlete and a fan of bananas, Starc is thrilled by the partnership with Little Athletics.

“The donations are awesome, it’s important kids start healthy habits early on,” he said.

“For kids who have just run 400m and they’re cooked, they can just grab a banana, down some water and they’re good to go.”

Little Athletes in Townsville take a break with bananas, which Coles has been donating to Little Athletics clubs nationally since 2017. Picture: supplied

Coles Group manager of nutrition and health, Kim Tikellis, said there are two nutrition principles for children to excel in sport.

“Firstly, ensure kids have adequate hydration via fluids before, during and after sport. Plain water is a healthy choice and be sure to drink more on hot days,” she said.

“Secondly, fuel the body via healthy food choices. Prior to exercise, choose foods high in carbohydrate, such as fruit, yoghurt or cereals, then after sport, help the body recover with protein rich foods such as dairy foods, eggs, legumes or meat.

“Nourishing foods rich in carbohydrate like bananas are a terrific choice to fuel the body during active exercise. Aim for a snack 1.5 to 2 hours before training and regularly across the day for recovery.”

As a member of the Coles fresh produce team when he’s not training for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Brandon Starc knows his way around the banana section. Picture: supplied

Click here for more information about Coles’ national partnership with Little Australia.

Towards a Better Future, in conjunction with Coles’ Better Together strategy, shares stories on farming, local communities, health & wellbeing, and sustainability/food waste to shine a light on the people, charities and organisations that are helping make our country a better place.

Originally published as Why Brandon Starc believes in the power of a banana boost