Genetic Destiny or Cultural Opportunity? The Real Story Behind Athletic Dominance

Why Some Nations Excel—and What It Means for the Rest of Us

It’s one of the most persistent questions in sports: why do certain countries produce so many champions in specific events? Is it something in their DNA, their environment, or their culture? The Sports Gene tackles this question head-on, weaving together genetics, history, and the lived experience of athletes and coaches. 3

On the genetic side, certain traits—like the ACTN3 'sprint gene' found in almost all elite West African sprinters—do provide an edge. But Epstein is careful to show that these advantages are only part of the story. In Jamaica, the annual 'Champs' track meet acts as a national talent search, and sprinting success is celebrated and supported at every level. In Kenya, the Kalenjin people’s high-altitude environment and cultural reverence for running create a steady stream of distance champions. These are 'talent factories', where opportunity and motivation turn potential into performance.

At the same time, the book warns against oversimplification. The genetic diversity within any group is often greater than that between groups, and many champions defy expectations. The real lesson is that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By studying the systems that nurture champions, other communities can learn to create their own pipelines of success.

Ultimately, athletic dominance is a tapestry woven from many threads: genes, culture, environment, and above all, opportunity. The next great champion could come from anywhere—if we know how to find and support them.