Does Genetics Predict Athletic Ability?

1. Does Genetics Predict Athletic Ability? Christina Catliff

2. Nature vs. Nurture • Genetic: its all in your DNA • Environmental : its all in the conditions you grow up in • Is being gay something you are born with or something that evolves over time? (genetics)

3. Interesting Facts • Nobody actually knows what percent athletic performance is genetic but it is a large factor • There are 200 genes in the body that are fitness related • Muscle strength • Metabolism performance • Cardiovascular performance • Yet 50% strength (how your body is built) or flexibility • If your parents have a small build, very unlikely that you are going to become a large, huge, body builder.

4. ACTN-3 Tarini, Beth. Can genetic tests predict athletic performance in kids? Michigan, 15 March 2011. Video. • A gene that helps muscles protein contract at high speeds • Found in Olympic sprinters • Two “R” Variants one from each parent • Sprinting, endurance, strength • One “X” and one “R” Variant • Power sports, cycling, strength • Two “X” variants • Endurance, cross country, swimming • Two “R” varients is the best make up of ACTN-3 • Kevin Reilly- author of “genes in sports” said about genetics; “ it’s a Question of their motivation, this (athletic genes) is A tool not THE tool.” • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiOmni2Wjh8

5. Gene Screening or GPE (Genetic Performance Enhancements) • Gene screening is analyzing the genes “ like the r and x variants • Create training programs that are suitable for your genetic strengths and weaknesses • GPE similar to gene therapy • Develop performance enhancing genes that aren’t given at birth • How is it different from steroids??? • THIS IS AN “Ethical Dark Zone” Santiago, C. ACTN3. 2008. Print. 29 May 2012.

6. Advantages If genetics have high importance in ability • It will help athletes train using Genetic steering technology • Will be easy to separate the high performance athletes at a younger age • The GPE will improve athletes boosting their interest in high level sports

7. Disadvantages If genetics play a huge role in ability • Athletes without particular genes will give up on sports • GPE is like cheating in a way, it would be like steroids yet legal in high class sport • Prospective athletes without particular genes will give up and there will be less practicing to be amateur or pro performance athletes.

8. Economic Issues and social Issues • More gov’t money would likely be put towards GPE studying • Money could be going to more important things like cures for cancer • Is it right to have genetically enhanced athletes • If steroids aren’t allowed then why is this?

9. Malcolm Gladwell Thesis • There are 3 distinct requirements to become and elite athlete • Talent and ability which is largely influenced by genetics • A drive and passion for a sport • About 20 000 hours of practice Elliot, Stephen. The Rumpus Interview With Malcolm Gladwell. 22 January 2009. Website . 29 May 2012.

10. Bibliography • Colby, Brandon. Outsmart Your Genes. New York: Penguin Group Inc, 2010. Print. • Elliot, Stephen. The Rumpus Interview With Malcolm Gladwell. 22 January 2009. Website . 29 May 2012. • Lite, Jordan. "Can Genes Predict Athletic Performance." Scientific American (2008): 7. Website. • Ronald, Robert. Facts at Your Fingertips . New York: Readers Digest Association Inc, 2001. Print. • Santiago, C. ACTN3. 2008. Print. 29 May 2012. • Shahane, Neeraj. Venture for ADME Gene Screening Research Panel. 2011. Website. 29 May 2012. • Stienford, Terry. Genetics Role in Athletics. 2011. Website. 29 May 2012. • Tarini, Beth. Can genetic tests predict athletic performance in kids? Michigan, 15 March 2011. Video. • Taylor, Charles. Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia . Hong Kong : Larousse Kingfisher Chambers Inc, 2000. Print.