We tested seven physical education students whether 30-s sprint anaerobic exercise (Wingate test) would result in oxidative stress (evaluated by lipid radical levels) sufficient to alter plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant status (plasma uric acid, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene). This study demonstrates that 1) Wingate test increases plasma uric and ascorbic acid concentrations (p < .05), and decreases plasma α-tocopherol and β-carotene levels (p < .05); 2) lipid radical levels at rest and sprint performance are negatively correlated with resting plasma uric acid and α-tocopherol concentrations (p < .05). In conclusion, this study 1) demonstrates that a 30-s sprint anaerobic exercise is associated with acute changes in plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant status, 2) indicates that the subjects with largest leg peak power are those who exhibit the lowest plasma antioxidant status at rest (uric acid and α-tocopherol), 3) and suggests that antioxidant intake by maintaining plasma antioxidant concentration at rest in the normal range might protect athletes against oxidative stress induced by exercise. Key words: ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, uric acid, oxidative stress