Champions Are Made, Not Born! Really?

This famous quote is associated with a number of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The apparent meanings of these words tell that victory is not God-gifted. It’s the vision, hard work, dedication, and several other factors that make sure the success of an individual. But the essence of these lines tends to raise their eyebrows when we see these in the fields of athletics - it is because in sports, the physical qualities that an athlete has by birth play a significant amount of role in his victories on the field. Let’s find out how far we disagree with this quote in athletics! 

Genetics has always played an important role in determining an athlete's physical abilities, as well as their predisposition to certain injuries and illnesses. While training, diet, and other factors can certainly impact athletic performance, genetics can often set the foundation for an athlete's abilities and potential.

One area where genetics plays a significant role in athletics is in determining an individual's muscle fiber type. There are two main types of muscle fibers: slow-twitch (Type I) and fast-twitch (Type II). Slow-twitch fibers are better suited for endurance activities like long-distance running, while fast-twitch fibers are better suited for explosive movements like sprinting or weightlifting. Research has shown that an individual's muscle fiber type is largely determined by genetics, with some people being genetically predisposed to having a higher percentage of one type of muscle fiber over the other.

Studies have found that the genes that are linked with athletic performance include ACTN3 and ACE. These genes make up the muscle fiber and are associated with strength and endurance. ACTN3 makes proteins that are mostly found in fast-twitch muscle fibers. The variant of this gene is R577X, when it is present in both copies of a gene that is 577XX, the individual will have an increased proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers. The 577RR genotype is also associated with fast-twitch muscle fibers. The ACE gene codes a protein Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, which makes Angiotensin II that helps control blood pressure and is also recognized to influence skeletal muscle function. Some other genes are associated with athletic performance. These function in skeletal muscles, production of energy for cells, communication between nerve cells, and other processes at the cellular level.

Another area where genetics can impact athletic performance is in determining an individual's body type. Endomorph body types tend to have higher levels of body fat and are often better suited for sports that require power and strength, like football or weightlifting. Ectomorphic body types tend to have lower levels of body fat and are often better suited for endurance sports like long-distance running. Mesomorphic body types are a combination of the two and are often well-suited for a variety of sports. Again, genetics can play a significant role in determining an individual's body type.

Some other genetically determined traits that are necessary for athletes include aerobic capacity, which is the maximum quantity of oxygen that the body can deliver to its tissues, muscle mass, height, flexibility, coordination, intellectual ability, and personality.

Genetics can also impact an athlete's risk of injury or susceptibility to certain diseases. For example, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to having weaker joints or connective tissue, which could increase their risk of injury. Others may be genetically predisposed to certain illnesses or medical conditions that could impact their ability to train and compete at a high level. 

Here are a few examples of athletes who have been noted for having exceptional genetics:

Usain Bolt: Bolt is widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, having won eight Olympic gold medals and setting numerous world records. Bolt's success can be attributed in part to his genetic makeup, as he has been noted for having a high proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are well-suited for explosive movements like sprinting.

Michael Phelps: Phelps is one of the most successful Olympians of all time, having won 23 gold medals and setting numerous world records in swimming. Phelps has been noted for having a wingspan that is longer than his height, which is thought to give him a biomechanical advantage in the water.

Shaquille O'Neal: O'Neal is a former NBA basketball player who was known for his incredible size and strength. O'Neal's success can be attributed in part to his genetic makeup, as he has been noted for having a larger-than-average frame and a higher-than-average percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are well-suited for the demands of basketball.

Serena Williams: Williams is a professional tennis player who has won numerous Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals. Williams has been noted for her exceptional athleticism and physical prowess, which is thought to be at least partially due to her genetic makeup.

It's important to note that while genetics can play a role in an athlete's success, it's not the only factor, and many other factors can contribute to an athlete's success, including workout, training, nutrition, and mental toughness. Additionally, genetics is a complex and multifaceted topic, and it's difficult to attribute an athlete's success solely to their genetic makeup. Certain environmental factors also contribute to excellent athletic performance, the amount of support an athlete receives from family, coaches, and spectators. The age of an athlete concerning his competitors also matters. It means if there are two athletes with similar genetic makeup, the one with better training, support, nutrition, and effective age will surpass the other one. Additionally, many athletes have achieved great success without having the same genetic advantages as these individuals, demonstrating that hard work and determination can overcome even genetic predispositions.

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an athlete's physical abilities, body type, and susceptibility to certain injuries and diseases. However, it's important to remember that genetics is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to athletic success. With the right training, nutrition, and mindset, any athlete can achieve their goals, regardless of their genetic makeup. So, in athletics too, a champion is not always born, but it is also made.