These results flip conventional wisdom on its head, which generally associates bigger with stronger and the premise that more muscle is needed to move more weight.
In the lead up to Paris, Jeff says the focus with Connor was to get him to be as big and strong as possible in a healthy and sensible manner.
“After the Games, Connor took some time off and was walking more, eating and training less. This clearly meant there were food changes and by the time he started back into training he’d shed considerable weight,” says Jeff.
“What we’ve observed over and above the weight loss are improvements in his sleeping and recovery, all of which appear to be reflected in his performance gains,” says Jeff. “In short, Connor is stronger without more muscle and needs to eat less.”
The improvements in recovery mean Connor is able to bounce back quicker and accumulate more training. Similarly, the improvement in sleeping means he has better routines which are consistent with positive food and lifestyle factors.
“As a team this has meant we’ve reimagined our goals for Connor based on a different body composition.”
Decisions to make change are always performance-based and Jeff says the first year in a new cycle is the right time to be making changes.
“What is happening with Connor and his performance gains is really interesting. Our initial thoughts are that it’s happening because his food, sleep and recovery are more consistent and easy to manage,” says Jeff.
For Connor, according to an interview he and Jeff did with One News , there is a financial upside. “When you’re moving around foreign countries where the euro is worth more than the New Zealand dollar and you have to eat upwards of 5000 calories a day, it can become an impossible feat to accomplish,” said Connor.
Connor, Jeff and the rest of the support team are hopeful the changes will translate into performances at the World Championships in Tokyo next month that could put him on the podium.
