What is the primary role of carbohydrates in athletic performance?

The primary role of carbohydrates in athletic performance centers on their function as the body's main source of energy, especially during high-intensity exercise. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is readily utilized by the body to produce energy quickly. This is crucial during workouts that demand quick bursts of energy, such as sprinting or weightlifting, as glucose can be metabolized faster than fats.

During strenuous activities, the body's demand for energy spikes, and carbohydrates provide a rapid fuel source through anaerobic and aerobic pathways. As such, adequate carbohydrate intake is vital for athletes to maintain performance, delay fatigue, and optimize their training and competition outcomes.

The other options describe aspects of nutrition but do not accurately reflect the primary role of carbohydrates. Building muscle mass primarily involves protein and strength training, long-term energy needs incorporate fats alongside carbohydrates, and muscle recovery indeed benefits from carbohydrates, but this is more a secondary role rather than their primary function during performance.