Baby You Were Born To Run

Overzealous daddy softball coaches and sideline screaming soccer moms may soon have yet another toddler-pushing tool in their arsenals.  According to an article in The New York Times, Atlas Sports Genetics of Boulder, Colorado is offering a test for $149 that they claim will predict a child’s natural athletic strengths.

The test, which involves collecting a genetic sample through a cheek swab and then analyzing it for the presence of the ACTN3 gene is currently being marketed by the company as a way for parents to determine the proper sports niche for their child.

Donna Campiglia, mother of Noah (age 2 ½) is quoted in the article; “I could see how some people might think the test would pigeonhole your child into doing fewer sports or being exposed to fewer things, but I still think it’s good to match them with the right activity…I think it would prevent a lot of parental frustration.”

Wait.  So this mom thinks it’s a good idea to choose a child’s activities based on a supposed genetic predictor, rather than allowing the child to discover his/her own abilities (and associated victories and frustrations)?!  Yes, I suppose the important thing here is to reduce parental frustration over their kids’ athletic (in)abilities. 

Turns out, the ACT3 test is based on an Australian study completed in 2003 which identified the connection between the ACT3 gene and elite athletic performance.  The scientists looked at the gene’s combinations, one provided by each parent.  The R variant of the gene instructs the body to produce a protein found specifically in fast-twitch muscles, which are necessary in speed and power sports.  The X variant of the gene prevents productions of this same protein.  In the study, half of elite sprint athletes had two copies of the R variant.  None of the female sprint athletes in the study had two copies of the X variant.  Conversely, a quarter of the elite endurance athletes studied had two copies of the X variant, only slightly higher than the control group, meaning that people with two X variants of ACTN3 are more likely to be suited for endurance sports.

Carl Foster, one of the co-authors of the study and director of the human-performance laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is quick to point out that some athletes prove science wrong and concedes that science doesn’t yet understand what combination of genes operates to create exceptional athletic performance.  Foster suggests a different way to determine if a child will be good at sprint and power sports: “Line them up with their classmates for a race and see which one is the fastest.”

As for Atlas, the company president Kevin Reilly admits that their test could have some limitations, but that it also could provide useful guidelines for placing youngsters in sports.  “We need to identify these kids from 1 and up, so we can give the parents some guidelines on where to go from there.”  Turns out Mr. Reilly wrote the guidelines on where to go with children Atlas determines are predestined for athletic greatness; Epic Athletic Performance - a talent identification company at where he also serves as president! Sweet!

Atlas began making the genetic test available yesterday through its web site atlasgene.com.  The analysis takes two to three weeks and the results arrive in the mail in the form of a certificate announcing “Your Genetic Advantage.” An enclosed packet of educational information suggests sports that are most appropriate based on the analysis and what paths to follow so that the child reaches his/her potential. One of the paths is to continue physical testing through Epic Athletic Perfromance.

The return of eugenics?  Yet another money-making scheme brought to you by the science-industrial complex?  A scam foisted upon overachieving, anxious, guilt-ridden parents?  You make the call. 

As for me, I vote for lining the kids up for a foot race.

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