According to new research from Lund University, people with an unusual gene variant may have advantages in certain sports. The study identified a gene variant that can be advantageous for reaching the absolute top in athletic performance. The gene variant controls the body's creation of new blood vessels in the muscles, which researchers say can be particularly beneficial for people involved in endurance sports.
The research found that this gene variant is twice as common among endurance athletes, specifically Swedish cross-country skiers, as among non-athletic Swedes. " Hansson noted that "in a way, we have defined talent for different sports" through this research. The exact mechanism of how this gene variant affects blood vessel creation in muscles remains unclear.
In a way, we have defined talent for different sports.
Additionally, researchers have not determined what specific sports or activities beyond endurance sports might benefit from this gene variant.
One can say that it is a volume control for stress response in the muscles.
As an endurance athlete, you have a big advantage in having very fine blood vessels in your musculature for your performance.