Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams and Usain Bolt share common traits: Physical abilities It is immeasurable This allowed them to “get to the top” and become elite athletes. but, What makes them extraordinary athletes? Is it the result of discipline in training, perfect diet and ironclad mentality? also Is there an innate ability that allows them to gain an advantage over the rest? These are some of the questions that have driven a broad field of research trying to uncover the components that define high physical performance.
From genetics to neuroscience, including environment, psychology, life decisions, scientists and experts Seeking to understand whether excellence The product of natural talentOr a deliberate practice or a unique combination of factors.
Today, yes There is evidence and research to suggest that genes can affect athletic ability.. Studies published in Elsevier Science, Sports, exercise and nutritional genomics, Sports Medicine – Open and Journal of Applied Physiology – Prestigious scientific publications – Confirm it Some physical traits, such as muscle fiber type, muscle size, muscle metabolism, ability to recover, and body composition, may be influenced by genetics..
According to Ileana Carla Velosa, MD, Cardiology Service at Austral University Hospital: It is true that Some people are born with physical or metabolic characteristics that facilitate their performance in physical capacities.
“Genetics It can also affect how the body responds to it Aerobics and anaerobic, as well as its ability to adapt to repetitive training loads.Highlights. For this reason, he explains, there are people who progress faster or excel at some sports almost naturally.
He stresses that genetics can also affect how the body responds to aerobic and anaerobic exercise, as well as its ability to adapt to repetitive training loads. For this reason, he explains, there are people who progress faster or excel at some sports almost naturally.
This is evidenced by what was mentioned Today, research suggests that genetics can explain between 30% and 80% of the various components of performance.This depends on the sport and the variable analyzed (strength, speed, resistance, etc.).
The ultimate goal at which these results are aimed is Finding reliable “genetic markers”. This means, Identify specific elements of the genetic code that appear frequently in elite athletes in a particular discipline Compared with a subject of standard abilities or with athletes of different disciplines.
In this regard, Dr. Velosa mentions some of what has been discovered so far:
It is worth noting that Identification of other genetic markers would allow:
Although they influence physical performance, genes are not the only players involved. There are other variables such as culture, discipline and psychology, among others, that make up… ‘puzzle‘ Of athletic performance.
In his book Taboo: Why black athletes dominate sports and why we’re afraid to talk about it American science journalist, John EntinIt reveals that evolution has shaped body types in different parts of the world, and as a result, It has been scientifically verified that athletic ability in various sports is related to race.
Psychology also has its share of importance: the Mathematical commitment theory Developed by Joan L. Scanlan and J. Carpenter, It refers to the degree to which an individual is psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally involved in sports. The authors believe that this commitment is demonstrated by a continued desire to participate in physical activity and a willingness to invest time and effort into it.
“Genetics predisposes but does not determine.”Dr. Velosa says. According to him, Sports success is multifactorial; These include environment, access to trainers, quality of rest, nutrition, mental health, and personal motivation. He concludes that “all of them are ultimately as important as genetic inheritance.”