Beetroot juice and tart cherry juice scored high on popularity among sportsmen at the Olympic village in the hope that it would give their performance a boost at the various sporting events. Beetroot juice was clearly preferred by many track and field athletes, as they felt it gave them a 3% improvement in performance.
Beetroot juice is thought to improve blood and oxygen flow to muscles, while also helping muscles use the oxygen effectively.
Participants in the Olympics obviously did not want to leave any stone unturned in their quest for the coveted medal, and used the humble beetroot to help them give it their best shot.
Source-Medindia