Protein is the athlete’s repair crew and growth fuel. Every sprint, lift, or swing breaks down muscle fibers, and protein supplies the amino acids that rebuild them stronger. It drives muscle protein synthesis, balances hormones, supports the immune system, and even keeps your brain sharp under fatigue. For athletes, protein does four critical jobs: it repairs damaged tissue, builds new muscle, speeds recovery, and protects overall health. Without enough, training gains stall, recovery slows, and the risk of injury rises. With it, your body adapts faster, bounces back quicker, and performs at its peak.