What is the impact of overtraining in athletes?

Overtraining can significantly detriment the performance and well-being of an athlete. It is characterized by excessive training without adequate recovery, leading to a range of negative physiological and psychological effects. One of the primary impacts of overtraining is fatigue, which can manifest both physically and mentally. Athletes may experience a decline in their performance levels due to decreased strength, endurance, and overall capacity to train effectively.

Additionally, overtraining increases the risk of injuries. This happens because the body does not have enough time to recover between training sessions, making it more susceptible to strains, sprains, and other overuse injuries. The combination of fatigue and heightened injury risk can lead to a cyclical pattern where an athlete cannot perform at their best, prompting a further decline in motivation and physical state.

Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of overtraining by highlighting the fatigue, decreased performance, and increased injury risk that results from inadequate recovery and excessive training.