Nestled in the heart of Austria, just outside Salzburg, the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC) stands as a high-performance rehabilitation and testing centre for all sponsored athletes. Onthatile “Thati” Zulu, field hockey’s rising star and a Red Bull-sponsored athlete, recently experienced the support and resources that will supercharge her sporting prowess.
Since opening its doors in 2005, the APC has become a playground for Red Bull’s top athletes. Housed in converted barns, this high-octane hub blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, resulting in top-tier rehabilitation, testing and training facilities. Here, an extraordinary team of experts in sports medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition and sports science come together, helping athletes push their boundaries and reach new heights.
Zulu shares her experience, describing a day at the APC, “I got picked up every morning from the hotel to the APC. On some days I had breakfast before my first session, other days I had to skip breakfast to get accurate results from my testing. I usually had 4 to 5 sessions per day, which were spread out quite nicely.” Her schedule included speed and strength training, mental performance and endurance training and conditioning. “It varied quite a lot,” shares Zulu. “I also had some physiotherapy sessions to treat some of my muscles that were fatigued throughout the testing. My day usually ended around 17:00.”
Zulu highlighted the distinct advantages of training at the APC, where she encountered testing machines and medical evaluations unavailable back home. “It was super cool to get feedback on where I am physically and whether my programme is working,” she noted. This level of feedback is vital for athletes aiming to fine-tune their performance with accuracy. Although Thati took great advantage of the incredible opportunity to better herself athletically, she also knew when to prioritise rest, and used the APC’s recovery room – a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation – to do so, which is essential for maintaining peak performance.
Reflecting on her time at the APC, Zulu fondly recalls her first day, “I got to experience everything for the first time and explore the facility.” This initial encounter set the tone for her enriching and transformative experience at the Centre.
Zulu’s stay at the APC helped her identify areas for improvement, such as her ankle stability and the need to strengthen her left side. “I’ve been adding exercises to my current programme to prevent any injuries and to make sure I’m in form by the time the Olympics come,” Zulu explained. The targeted training and expertise provided at the Centre have equipped her with tools to continuously elevate her performance.
Zulu expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support from the Red Bull team at the APC Centre. “The team was so helpful and had my best interests at heart,” she said. “It was cool to work with people who wanted to push you to your limit and saw potential in you. I felt like I could do anything with the support they had given me. They also gave me tips that I’ve been able to take back home.”
Among the plethora of resources at the APC Centre, Zulu found the testing feedback, strength and conditioning sessions, mental performance coaching and the recovery room most beneficial. These elements created a holistic approach to her training and development, ensuring she was well-prepared for every aspect of her athletic journey.
Now, equipped with the knowledge and skills acquired at the APC, Zulu is revolutionising her training program. “I’ve already started using some of the exercises and techniques they’ve given me (based on the testing) and I have modified certain things in my programme to make sure it’s best suited for me to improve gradually,” she explained. This proactive approach highlights her dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in her sport.
