London, May 19 (UNI) England Test captain Ben Stokes on Monday admitted that alcohol no longer has any positive effect on his physical performance or recovery, describing it as "scientifically impossible" for it to help him as an elite athlete.
"I didn’t know what a hangover was until I was 28. Now, alcohol just wouldn’t help me physically," Stokes said in a a podcast. The 33-year-old allrounder revealed that since recovering from a major hamstring injury, he has made conscious decisions to limit his alcohol intake, especially during periods of rehabilitation and preparation.
Stokes explained that after his surgery earlier this year, he committed to staying sober until his return to competitive cricket. "I said to myself after my surgery, I’m not going to have a drink until my first day back in the field. Hopefully, that’s in two weeks’ time, and I can really enjoy that beer," he said.
The England skipper admitted the decision was motivated more by self-reflection than purely athletic concerns. "It was when I pulled my hamstring last year that I really started thinking differently about my preparation and lifestyle choices. I wondered if drinking a few nights earlier could have contributed, and even if it didn’t, it certainly wouldn’t have helped," he added.
While Stokes acknowledged that alcohol had once been a regular part of his social life, he now approaches it with greater moderation. "When I was younger, I could do some stupid stuff and still perform well on the field. But now, I wouldn’t do that because it would affect me too much," he said.
He also reflected on the addictive personality traits that have shaped his approach to life and sport. "If I set my mind on something, it’s all or nothing for a few weeks before moving on. So, during recovery, I decided not to drink for a while to help my body heal and get back stronger," Stokes explained.
Despite these changes, Stokes is clear that he does not intend to give up alcohol entirely. "I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who goes completely sober, but I’ve learned to be mindful and make healthier choices, especially when it comes to my athletic performance," he said.
Looking ahead, the England captain remains focused on extending his playing career as long as he maintains his motivation and physical fitness. "As long as I keep waking up with the desire to train and improve, I’ll keep giving everything on the field. But when that day comes that I can’t be bothered anymore, I’ll know it’s time to stop," he concluded.
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