Question

Discuss why athletes would want to train at high altitudes if their competition was to be at a high altitude.

Answer 1

because at high altitude the levels of oxygen at low, which in turn estimulates the production of EPO in blood. needless to say this will estimulate erythrocyte syntheis and with it higher levels of oxygen in blood needed for a more efficient cellular respiration.

Answer 2

This process is known as acclimatisation - Phascolarctos is correct. I guess the athletes would be light-headed and lethargic if they came up to altitude from sea level and started the competition straight away.