Is there a genetically determined limit to athletic performance?
Former Member
In his autobiographical book The Naturalist, E. O. Wilson suggests that there is a genetically determined limit to an individual's athletic performance which cannot be overcome regardless of the amount of training. Using himself as an example, he describes how he became a serious runner several years after graduating college. The gap between his times and those of the top runners in his age group (expressed as a percentage) remained what it was in college.
I looked at my current times (three years after joining USMS) and found that I am 12% behind in the 1000 and 15% behind in the 500. These percentages are exactly the same as they were in 1978, the last year I swam in college. I know there are exceptions within the ranks of USMS, but I wonder how valid this "rule" really is.
From my experience, ball skills are a gift. It can be seen at a young age prior to the influences of significant practice. Hopefully for the kid, good coaches spot them early, that way they can limit and control their practices so they dont damage their arms (I got Tommy John elbow when I was 24). Yes, that's right, reduce the amount they practice. The practice practice practice theory does not apply.
Can someone practice their way onto a team, stirke some poeple out and have a great experience? absolutely. Will they make the majors? some have. Are they at a serious disadvantage in doing so? you bet.
As far a strength sports i.e. swimming and running, I think determination in training overshadows genetic factors.
Again, my opinion.
From my experience, ball skills are a gift. It can be seen at a young age prior to the influences of significant practice. Hopefully for the kid, good coaches spot them early, that way they can limit and control their practices so they dont damage their arms (I got Tommy John elbow when I was 24). Yes, that's right, reduce the amount they practice. The practice practice practice theory does not apply.
Can someone practice their way onto a team, stirke some poeple out and have a great experience? absolutely. Will they make the majors? some have. Are they at a serious disadvantage in doing so? you bet.
As far a strength sports i.e. swimming and running, I think determination in training overshadows genetic factors.
Again, my opinion.
