Summary
Can we use genetic analysis to predict who will become an elite athlete? No one knows for sure, according to David Epstein from Sports Illustrated. While scientists have identified genes that boost endurance, motivation, or fast-twitch muscles, there is no genetic way to predict who among those with such genes will become a champion. For example, dominant East African runners have the endurance gene, but so do most Europeans, who haven't performed as well in distance events. The East Africans, meanwhile, start running great distances at an early age, in contrast to their European counterparts. Thus, nature might give you the building blocks for success, but nurture is what ultimately produces elite athletes.
Nature versus Nurture
May 30th, 2010
Click here to read the full article from Sports Illustrated.
By IntelliSport
Implementation
- Since no one knows for sure how much genetics impact athletic potential, coaches should avoid pegging athletes as "future stars" at too early of an age. Just because a child comes from a bloodline of librarians and scientists doesn't mean she doesn't have world record potential.
- Genetics can impact more than just physical ability. Some scientists have also identified links between genetics and motivation. Thus, athletes who are genetically disposed to work harder may need less coaxing and external motivators than athletes who are genetically disposed to exercising less. Coaches should be mindful of which athletes need such extra motivation, and which athletes may just have hard work in their genes.
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