A comprehensive DNA analysis of more than 15
world-class athletes reveals the interplay of genetics and training
in athleticism
LEHI,
Utah, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Do
athletes have 'super DNA' or are they just like us? With a deep
dive into the genetics of more than 15 world-class athletes,
Ancestry has some answers.
Released today, the comprehensive DNA compare analysis utilizes
DNA results from U.S. fan-favorite athletes including Gabby
Douglas, Nastia Liukin, Jackie
Joyner-Kersee, Michael
Johnson, Bradley Snyder,
Kerri Walsh-Jennings, and more.* New
research found:
- Mental toughness may be one of the most important factors in
athletic success. AncestryDNA Traits showing likeliness to be
competitive (88%) and have self-confidence (69%)
showed up in the majority of champion athletes' DNA.
- Many of the athletes were born with traits that naturally
enhance their performance. For example, all gymnasts studied were
more likely to have physical flexibility, 83% of the track
and field athletes were more likely to be sprinters than
endurance runners and 60% of the swimmers were more likely to be
able to hold their breath for a long time.
- However, the journey to becoming an elite athlete isn't purely
genetic. Surprisingly, 60% of the athletes were unlikely to have
natural athleticism, underscoring the importance of rigorous
training to develop skills. In fact, according to their DNA:
-
- Gabby Douglas, a gymnast who excels on the beam, is less likely
to have good balance.
- Nastia Liukin, born into a family of champion gymnasts, is
likely to find performing choreography difficult.
- Bradley Snyder, a swimmer and
paratriathlete, is less likely to have natural physical
strength.
- Nearly 94% of the athletes share the trait for high heat
tolerance. The ability to perform well in high-temperature,
high-humidity environments is particularly beneficial in outdoor
summer sports and intense training conditions.
- While certain genetic traits were common among the athletes
studied - like fast exercise recovery (75%), risk-taking
(66%) and hand-eye coordination (50%) - the
data suggests there isn't a one-size-fits-all "DNA recipe" for
world-class athletes. Some skills are easier to achieve based on
genetics and others are nurtured through training - it is the
combination of both that makes a champion!
"I really love this campaign because it highlights how there are
a variety of ways people can become a champion," said 8x U.S.
Paralympic medalist, paraswimmer and paratriathlete Brad Snyder. "I worked to maximize skills I was
born with and nurture those that weren't in my DNA to achieve my
goals. It's really inspirational to see that anyone can do it if
they're willing to put in the work and make the most of what they
were born with."
This research coincides with the addition of more than 30 new
AncestryDNA traits that can influence physical performance
including Speed, Athletic Ability, Physical Strength, Physical
Agility, Physical Flexibility, Quick Reflexes, Hand-Eye
Coordination, and more. Learn more about Ancestry's new
Performance Traits and the World-Class Athlete Compare experience
that allows fans to discover how their genes match up to the world
class athletes HERE.
"This research is powerful because it shows that while genetics
can provide an advantage for certain skills and sports, dedication
to training and perfecting your craft is just as important," said
Brian Donnelly, Chief Commercial
Officer at Ancestry. "People have said for ages that you can do
anything if you put your mind to it. These findings suggest there
is real truth to that for those who commit themselves to
excellence. You never know — you could be a champion athlete
yourself if you put in the hard work."
AncestryDNA® + Traits is on sale now through
July 30 for $49 ($70 off) at
Ancestry.com/BringYourDNAGame. Don't wait to order a kit and
send back the sample! The Bring Your DNA Game experience will only
be live until Oct. 31.
*Participants in the DNA analysis include: Gabby Douglas,
Nastia Liukin, Kerri Walsh Jennings,
Michael Johnson, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Bradley Snyder, Todd
Frazier, Nicola Adams,
Ellie Simmonds, Kriss Akabusi,
Cathy Freeman, Stephanie Rice, Michael
Klim, Mack Horton,
Phylicia George and Donovan Bailey.
About Ancestry®
Ancestry®, the
global leader in family history, empowers journeys of personal
discovery to enrich lives. With our unparalleled collection of more
than 60 billion records, over 3 million subscribers and over 25
million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover
their family story and gain a new level of understanding about
their lives. Over the past 40 years, we've built trusted
relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the
platform for discovering, preserving, and sharing the most
important information about themselves and their families.
Media Contact: Avery Barzizza,
abarzizza@webershandwick.com
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SOURCE Ancestry