07/22/08 Idaho Olympian counts on milk

Kristin Armstrong says she's longed for this moment, her chance to win a medal in cycling at the Beijing Olympics next month. She competed in Athens four years ago. Now the Boise woman says she has a secret weapon. ARMSTRONG "Chocolate milk is. It does have a little more sugar in there where provides more carbohydrates and after I'm working out or after I've just competed I need as much of that as possible to refuel myself." The stores sell plenty of high energy drinks but Armstrong has joined with the United Dairymen of Idaho to spread milk's nutritional message. ARMSTRONG "You can go on the shelves and buy these recovery products and for me what's really special about drinking milk whether its chocolate or just plain milk after a race is that it's natural." Armstrong says the body absorbs milk better and its natural electrolytes help to restore fluid balance. It provides the carbohydrates you need and it also has protein to replenish your muscles after you're racing. She'll be doing that August 10th and again on the 13th with road racing and time trials. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott