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holdenn93's review against another edition
5.0
Really fascinating, well researched book that proves that a combination of genes suited to your chosen sport and consistent practise are important to achieve formidible athletic heights.
abrswf's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely fascinating subject, managed by an excellent writer.
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
2.0
Consumed as an audiobook. Narration was okay - the accents were distracting and unnecessary when quoting folks.
I expected more about genetics, and more science. There was some of that, but also a lot of anecdotes, subjective commentary, and dancing around some of the subjects I was more interested in (genetics and athletic ability as it relates to gender). Still, there was some solid info.
I expected more about genetics, and more science. There was some of that, but also a lot of anecdotes, subjective commentary, and dancing around some of the subjects I was more interested in (genetics and athletic ability as it relates to gender). Still, there was some solid info.
emmabussolotta's review against another edition
1.0
The final answer to the question "Is there a sport's gene?": sort of, but not really, but kind of. Maybe.
withlovejeans's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
i thought this book was incredibly informational and edifying. it made me think about athletics in a different perspective. the chapters felt long in the middle, but that was only because i was struggling to focus. the chapters near the end had my full attention.
journeytothenewworlds07's review against another edition
4.5
It turns out that people from certain cultures, tribes, or lineages are truly born with different advantages - these push certain people towards certain sports, and in some cases, towards absolutely domination. The book explores many fascinating real-life examples of people discovering their knack for certain sports, and takes us from the far reaches of African tribes, to the snowy forests of Europe, to the island of Jamaica. It turns out that some of us do have genetic predispositions towards explosive sports, endurance sports, or no sports at all.
A must-read for any sports fan, coach, trainer, or athlete.
A must-read for any sports fan, coach, trainer, or athlete.
alisarae's review against another edition
Interesting enough, and the writing has a good balance of technical talk with examples of athletes. If you hadn't already intuited, being a stellar athlete requires a genetic cocktail that scientists don't really understand plus environment and opportunities. In the end, it seems that there is a sport for every type of body to do well in, the question is if you can find the sport that is ideal for your genetics and if you have enough drive to train in that sport. Usain Bolt wanted to play cricket; Michael Jordan wanted to play baseball. Lucky for them, they had people in their lives to steer them in a more profitable direction.
eldiente's review against another edition
4.0
The author and I have a few things in common - we are both Caucasian American males, we both are interested in nature versus nurture as it relates to athletics, and we both ran the 1/2 mile / 800 meter race in high school and college. However the author has written an excellent book considering the role of genes and training in high performing athletes, and I have simple listened to the book. It was enjoyable and provided hidden insights. I would recommend it to any who want to think about race, environment, gender, and fortitude in sports and athletes.