Can genetic testing tell you about your child’s Olympic future?

As I watch the Olympics this week I’m particularly interested in the stories about some of the athletes as kids, especially interviews with their parents.  What was it in the child’s interests, determination, physical talents, or other circumstances that ultimately led them to the highest levels of their sport?

There are many factors that influence a child’s physical ability and athletic future, and some of those factors are genetic. More than 150 genes have been linked to different aspects of physical performance, including oxygen uptake efficiency, aspects of heart performance, and muscle fiber composition.

Related on the SLP

Kenyans sweep distance races, Jamaicans sprints: How evolution has shaped elite sports Can we yet use genetics to determine which sports are best for our kids?

Viewpoint: The shocking consequences after a year of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s distortions, deceptions, and flat-out falsehoods

Retreat from identity labels: Does the sharply declining number of young teens identifying as gay and bisexual reflect an ideological shift?

MAHA moms divided over RFK Jr.’s food‑safety efforts, as recall alerts grow and outbreaks spread

View the original article here: Can Genetic Testing Tell You About Your Child’s Olympic Future …