What is a common symptom of overtraining in athletes?

Decreased performance and increased fatigue is a hallmark symptom of overtraining in athletes. When an athlete undergoes excessive physical training without adequate rest or recovery, the body may struggle to adapt to the elevated stress levels. This leads to a decline in performance, meaning the athlete may not achieve the same results in their training or competitions as before. Alongside decreased performance, athletes often experience increased fatigue, which can be both physical and mental, making it harder for them to maintain their usual training intensity and enthusiasm.

The other options illustrate positive adaptations that athletes typically seek—such as increased strength, improved mood, and enhanced recovery—but these are generally not associated with overtraining. Overtraining inversely affects these aspects, emphasizing why decreased performance and increased fatigue is the correct identification of a common symptom.