How to find out if you share the same DNA traits as world-class athletes
Do you think you have the potential to run as fast as former sprinter Kriss Akabusi MBE or be as agile as former professional boxer Nicola Adams OBE? Now, you can take a DNA test to find out if you share performance traits with world-class athletes.
Ancestry, which is one of the biggest and most well-known genealogy sites in the world, has introduced 30 new traits that users can discover when they take a test.
The DNA testing platform has more than 25 million people in its database, which is growing steadily. Ahead of the Paris Olympics kicking off on 26 July 2024, Ancestry has listed new performance traits such as self-discipline, speed, and hand-eye coordination so users can learn about how their genetics may have influenced their athleticism.
Other performance traits include competitiveness, heart rate recovery, heat tolerance, jumping high, making contact with a ball, pain tolerance, performing choreography, physical flexibility, physical agility, sprinting, and more. The full list of traits can be found on the Ancestry website.
The platform also found that a third of Brits believe they could share the same DNA traits as world renowned athletes. Users of Ancestry can try a DNA comparison tool to compare their DNA results with more than 15 world-class athletes, including Adams, Akabusi, Ellie Simmonds OBE, Gabby Douglas, Nastia Liukin, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Michael Johnson, and more.
Ancestry took a closer look at the data to find out if athleticism is a result of nature and nurture.
The research found that the likelihood to be competitive (88%) and have self-confidence (69%) showed up in the majority of champion athletes’ DNA, which suggested that mental toughness is an important factor to succeed.
In addition, many athletes were born with traits that naturally enhance their performance. For example, the research showed that all gymnasts who were studied were more likely to have physical flexibility.
Meanwhile, 83% of track and field athletes were more likely to be sprinters than endurance runners. As for swimmers, 60% were more likely to be able to hold their breath for a long time.
However, it may come as a surprise that 60% of the athletes were unlikely to have natural athleticism as a trait, which emphasised just how important it was to undergo rigorous training.
Users may even be shocked to find out that Adams - who retired in 2019 with an undefeated record - is unlikely to have good hand-eye coordination, according to her DNA.
The performance traits that Britons value the most are self-discipline (48%), physical balance (36%), pain tolerance (31%), and hand-eye coordination (26%).
Commenting on the results of her DNA test with AncestryDNA, Adams said: "Teaming up with Ancestry to see how my genetics may have influenced my boxing career has been eye-opening.
"Seeing that I am more likely to be disciplined and focused makes complete sense because I have the genetic traits for persistence and focus and those qualities have always come easier to me.
"Other skills, like my hand-eye coordination, took more practice — and now I know that could be a result of my DNA. I wish I had these insights earlier on in my career! I would encourage all people to check out this new tool from Ancestry and see how they stack up to other inspiring athletes this summer."
Simmonds added: "I've always been incredibly passionate about fitness and training, especially when I set out to master the speed and technique of my swimming. It’s been so insightful to discover that I have the genetic traits for competitiveness, determination, and self confidence, which definitely rings true.
"By sharing my athletic traits with the world, I hope to share how our DNA has a role to play in our sporting ability, and inspire the next generation."
Laura House, genealogist at Ancestry, said: "While we enter a truly memorable summer of sport, where both competition and achievements are celebrated, we are pleased to extend our product offering with 30 new AncestryDNA® performance traits.
"At a time when we all feel inspired by the athleticism of our sporting heroes, we look forward to enabling all our customers to compare their DNA traits with global athletes, increasing their understanding of their identity and what makes them truly exceptional."
Read more about health and wellness:
How to take up a new sport as an adult (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
‘Sportcations’ and ‘boomerang tourism’ are the travel trends to watch out for in 2024 (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
Health pros and cons of tennis and how to look after your body (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
