Using your understanding of caffeine’s mechanisms, which athlete and event pairing would most likely benefit the least from caffeine-induced glycogen sparing?

• A. A team-sport midfielder who performs intermittent efforts over 90 minutes and may benefit from both glycogen sparing and reduced perceived effort
• B. A 10 km trail runner who relies on sustained aerobic metabolism and could benefit from glycogen sparing across 30–40 minutes of exercise
• C. A 100 m sprinter performing all-out efforts lasting less than 12 seconds, because performance depends primarily on ATP-CP energy and not prolonged glycogen stores
• D. A cross-country skier in a 30-minute middle-distance race where reduced perceived exertion and enhanced fat use could extend endurance

Answer: (C)