What does overtraining primarily lead to in athletes?

Overtraining primarily leads to decreased performance and increased fatigue in athletes due to the physical and psychological stress it places on the body. When athletes engage in excessive training without adequate rest and recovery, they can experience a range of detrimental effects, such as increased levels of fatigue, irritability, and a decline in overall performance.

Physiologically, the body needs time to repair and adapt to the stresses placed upon it during training. Without sufficient recovery, the body's systems can become overwhelmed, leading to hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, and diminished performance output. This contrasts sharply with the other options presented, which suggest improvements or enhancements that are not typically associated with overtraining. For instance, while athletes seek to improve performance and recovery, overtraining can lead to the opposite outcomes, including potential burnout.