The primary objective of daily management in athletes is to optimize performance during competition and to enhance recovery efficiency during training. Accumulating studies indicate that athletes' gut microbiota composition is closely correlated with their performance. In this article， we summarize the distinct characteristics of athletes' gut microbiota， as well as the mechanisms on enhancing athletic performance modulated by gut microbiota， focusing on in promoting lactate metabolism and key roles in regulating glycogen storage and gut barrier function associated with gut microbiota metabolites， such as short-chain fatty acids. Moreover， the progress on nutrition interventions to improve athletic performance through modulating gut microbiota， including probiotics， prebiotics， and dietary supplements for muscle synthesis， has been reviewed. Finally， we provide an outlook on future research and application aiming to enhance endurance and athletic performance through nutrition modulating the gut microbiota.