Body fat percentage is one of the most important metrics for athletes, as it provides insight into body composition and performance potential. Unlike weight alone, body fat % differentiates between lean muscle mass and fat mass, offering a clearer picture of fitness.
Lower body fat levels can enhance endurance, speed, and power-to-weight ratio. However, going too low can negatively affect health, recovery, and hormone balance. Each sport has an optimal range where athletes perform best without compromising long-term well-being.
| Sport | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon / Distance Running | 6 - 12% | 12 - 18% |
| Cycling (Pro Road) | 5 - 10% | 12 - 16% |
| Swimming | 8 - 15% | 14 - 20% |
| Weightlifting / Strength | 8 - 14% | 15 - 22% |
| General Health (non-athlete) | 10 - 20% | 18 - 28% |
| Athlete | Sport | Approx. Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | ~7% |
| Michael Phelps | Swimming | ~8% |
| Usain Bolt | Sprinting | ~9% |
| Simone Biles | Gymnastics | ~14% |
| Serena Williams | Tennis | ~16% |
| Eliud Kipchoge | Marathon Running | ~7-8% |