In the Philippines, the landscape of sports nutrition and athlete wellness is evolving, and one sports dietitian stands out as a trailblazer in ensuring the health and success of Filipino athletes.
Olympic and Elite Performance Nutrition Coach Jeaneth Aro earned her certification from the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Drugs in Sports program, a qualification that enhances her expertise in guiding athletes through the complexities of safe supplement use and anti-doping compliance. She attended the graduation rites last October 25, 2024, at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland together with other graduates of the various certification and diploma programs of the IOC.
This certification, her second from the IOC, follows her prior completion of Mental Health in Elite Sports certification program, underscoring her commitment to providing comprehensive support to elite and professional Filipino athletes. With a Diploma in Sports Nutrition from the IOC as well, her credentials reflect a deep, multi-faceted understanding of the unique challenges that high-performing athletes face, from mental resilience to safe supplementation.
Jeaneth together with the Paris 2024 Olympics Medalists during the recognition ceremony at Malacañang Palace (L-R Nesthy Petecio, Carlos Yulo, and Aira Villegas)
"This is a celebration of a 7 year journey towards my own pursuit for personal and professional development and my family’s all out dedication and support to what I have set my mind to. Every higher step of the ladder that I climbed coincided with an inner game of character development, an expansion of belief system, and deeper understanding of giving the best to the world so one can get the best from the “world”. To the very select few athletes that I am helping— I am not just a performance nutritionist. You know who you guys are and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so." Jeaneth said in a post from her Facebook page.
Elevating Standards in Safe Supplementation
The Drugs in Sports certification provides her with extensive knowledge on the risks and regulations associated with performance-enhancing drugs and supplements. In an industry where athletes may face pressure to perform at any cost, the guidance of a knowledgeable sports dietitian can be the difference between success and setbacks. By advising on safe, legal, and effective supplements, she helps her clients stay compliant with anti-doping regulations while optimizing their performance.
This expertise is essential in the Philippines, where top athletes compete in both national and international arenas. Her certification not only reassures her clients but also instills a culture of integrity and safety in sports. With her dedication to athlete wellness, she can expertly steer her clients away from banned substances, providing safe and effective alternatives instead.
Holistic Approach to Athlete Care
With her IOC credentials in Mental Health in Elite Sports, Jeaneth also understands the importance of mental well-being in athletic performance. In her practice, she emphasizes the synergy between physical and mental health, knowing that psychological challenges can affect everything from nutrition choices to recovery practices. By integrating values-based mental health support into her services, she offers a holistic approach that sets her clients up for sustained success.
Jeaneth together with the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympics Medalists during the recognition ceremony at the House of Representatives (L-R Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Hidilyn Diaz and Eumir Marcial)
Proven Impact on Elite Filipino Athletes
Her impact is evident in the achievements of the elite and professional Filipino athletes she has guided. Her clients include some of the nation's top-performing athletes such as Paris and Tokyo Olympics medalists Carlos Yulo, Neshty Petecio, Aira Villegas, Hidilyn Diaz, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam. They not only benefited from her nutritional expertise but also her guidance on safe practices, values-based mindset, and overall wellness. These athletes enter competitions knowing they have the support of a dietitian who understands the pressures they face and who is committed to their health and ethical standing.
Raising the Bar for Sports Nutrition in the Philippines
Through her advanced IOC training and her achievements with Filipino athletes, she continues to raise the bar for sports nutrition in the Philippines. Her IOC certifications reflect a level of international expertise rarely seen in local sports nutrition and solidify her role as a key figure in Philippine sports. For Filipino athletes striving for global success, her presence offers invaluable support, ensuring they reach the pinnacle of their performance in the safest and most sustainable way possible.
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