Appealing to parents who want to make their children champions, two companies have begun selling tests to match children with the sports for which they are genetically best suited. The DNA tests may even help children win college sports scholarships, the companies say, and to identify health and injury risks.
Appealing
to parents who want to make their children champions, two companies have begun
selling tests to match children with the sports for which they are genetically
best suited. The DNA tests may even help children win college sports
scholarships, the companies say, and to identify health and injury risks.

“The
main purpose of the test is to maximize performance in the minimum amount of
time and minimize risk,” said Bill Miller, of American
International Biotechnology Services, who began selling the test a
month ago.

Critics
see the kits as the latest in a wave of dubious genetic tests
peddled by entrepreneurs. They say that no one can accurately gauge the
influence of genes on athletic abilities or vulnerabilities. They also say that
the results may be falsely reassuring or needlessly alarming. Test could also
encourage overzealous parents and coaches to force children into sports they
dislike or to discourage them from physical activities they enjoy and might
succeed at – in spite of their genes.

“This
is really disturbing,” said Lainie Friedman Ross, of the University of Chicago.
“Sports and physical activity should be fun for kids. It shouldn’t be, ‘You’re
going to be the world’s greatest athlete’ or ‘Give up now, kid, because you
won’t have a chance’ because of your genes.” ~ Washington Post,
May 19

Testing for sports genes
Jared Yee
genetic testing
sport
sports

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