Survival of the fittest

NITRO

Who: Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-aryeetey. Age: 35.

Top strength: “Explosive energy and the ability to jump high.”

Vital stats: The 5ft 11in star has 17in biceps and says: “I’ve sprinted up to 27mph.”

Training regime: “I’ve been training in the field of athletics for 20 years. I’m probably training five days a week, four hours a day. I’m on the track and in the gym doing everything from squats and power cleans to plyometrics.

“Before Gladiators I made sure I did lots of conditioning work for my tendons. I spend a lot of time on functional movement too – learning how to move in the correct manner.”

Injuries: “In my youth I had stress fractures in my back and I’ve had hamstring injuries, tearing a couple of tendons, which has taken its toll.”

Diet: “I like my morning coffee and porridge, but I don’t want to run around on a full stomach, so I like a later brunch with four eggs, turkey rashers and chicken sausages – lots of protein.

“I also have protein shakes and take supplements, like magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.”

Guilty pleasure: “I do like to snack on popcorn and Haribos, but I hate bananas.”

Calorie intake: 3,500-4,500 a day.

Health conditions: “I’m asthmatic. I only get an attack once every few years but my breathing is vulnerable when it’s very cold or very hot.”

Secret habit: “I play Football Manager to relax.” Top tip: “Find something that you enjoy and then you’ll give it 100 per cent. I love playing badminton, for instance.”

■■Gladiators is on BBC One on Saturdays at 5.50pm