Team Atkins consists of Carol Cronin (skipper), Liz Filter (middle) and Nancy Haberland (forward) all of whom have been sailing for years. In 2003, after successfully using the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) to increase their energy levels and endurance, the team approached Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (ANI) for support.

"Team Atkins is a perfect example of healthy, professional athletes who are using the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) to increase their energy, endurance and strength," said Stuart Trager, M.D., Chairperson of the Atkins Physicians Council. "Healthy and active Americans are beginning to understand that Atkins is not only for weight loss, but also for those who are already at their ideal weight and looking to maintain their health and well being."

Dr. Trager, has also used the ANA to successfully train for and compete in five Ironman races. Since adopting this nutritional strategy, Dr. Trager believes that limiting carbohydrates, not calories is the key, because Atkins "allows athletes to shed unwanted pounds while preserving and increasing muscle as well as overall energy."

And for Team Atkins, weight plays a crucial role in their sport. In the Yngling class, there is a weight limit to which the women must adhere (combined weight must not exceed 451 pounds). If the team exceeds the limit when weighed in the day of the race, they are disqualified for the day's races. In order to precisely maintain their weight, Team Atkins found more control, consistency and success using the ANA than following a more traditional low-fat, high-carbohydrate approach used by most athletes.

From day one of the trials, Carol Cronin (Jamestown, RI), Liz Filter (Stevensville, MD) and Nancy Haberland (Annapolis, MD) better known as Team Atkins, exuded confidence and strength while building to their final number one finish. Yesterday, the last of the Yngling Olympic trials, the team's years of training and persistence paid off. With just four boatlengths to spare, Team Atkins crossed the finish line first and secured their place on the USA's 2004 Olympic Team.

"Because of Atkins, we feel stronger and more energized," says Carol Cronin, skipper of Team Atkins. "The consistent energy level allows us to train hard and sail all day."

Endurance is essential to being successful in the Women's Keelboat event. A typical training day starts at 9:30 AM and lasts until 4:30 PM. During an event day, the team competes in up to three races, each of which can last up to an hour and a half without breaks.

"You have to be strong, have stamina and stay mentally alert the entire time," continues Cronin, who first started Atkins on the advice of her personal trainer.

Team Atkins was formed in 2001 to compete for the newest medal in Olympic sailing, the Women's Keelboat discipline. Considered underdogs in the first six months, the team surprised skeptics by winning both the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta (the premiere regatta in the U.S.) and the U.S. Sailing Team rankings in 2002, which instantly turned Team Atkins into players both nationally and abroad. Last year, Team Atkins medalled at the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta, the only team to do so two years in a row.

Eleven countries are now qualified for the Yngling event at the 2004 Olympics: Spain, Germany, United States, Bermuda, Denmark, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, France, Australia and the Ukraine. Greece, as the host nation, receives an automatic entry.

The Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) is a controlled carbohydrate lifetime nutritional philosophy, focusing on the consumption of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods, vita-nutrient supplementation and exercise. The Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) consists of four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance. Dr. Robert C. Atkins founded Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. in 1989 to promote good health by changing the way the world eats and to help people enjoy healthier lives. Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. continues to be a pioneer and leader in providing innovative nutritional and informational products based on controlled carbohydrate nutritional science and rooted in the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM).