Smelling Salt in Sports:
Mental clarity and consciousness are among the main factors that may help athletes function better. Smelling salt is chemically ammonium carbonate. It is used as a “wake up” stimulant by athletes to perform better. Smelling salt is legal in sports, as it has no effects on muscular endurance and strength. It simply increases mental alertness.
Smelling salt is generally used by weight lifters, wrestlers, hockey players, powerlifters, gymnasts, strong man competitors, and especially boxers who look dazed or knocked unconscious. Not only is it used by athletes, but also it could be used on people who are about to faint.
It is also called “baker`s ammonia”. It is a white powder that releases ammonia gas when mixed with water. Most sports coaches carry smelling salt solution in a bottle, and they administer to their athletes by asking them to inhale ammonia for 1-3 seconds on their ways to the stage.