There is an inherent disparity in ability among athletes of any sport. Some people may jump higher, sprint faster, or may be more coordinated than others. This disparity makes the best performers appear better and the worst appear to not be trying. Though, it would be ill-conceived to blame the worst in a particular discipline for performing poorly only upon the merits of their ability, as there are certain things determined by our genetics that training and hard work could never change or fix. For a similar reason that even our best sprinters will never catch a cheetah, our genetics are a limiting factor in our ability to do well in any discipline, including long distance running. In sport, one calls this inherent disparity talent, and in
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This is because VO2max measures the ability of the body to uptake oxygen into the bloodstream as well as the body’s ability to use the oxygen it receives from the blood. It is a necessary component to all runners, as without it, “A runner simply cannot attain a high level of performance without a high VO2max” (Karp 1). Therefore, people with abnormally high VO2max scores are predisposed to ability in endurance sports, including long distance running. And in the general population, there is a particular subset of people who naturally have a significantly higher than normal VO2max score without any training, (Epstein 95-96) creating a situation where the talent appears in the genetically best runners. This fact is important, as people who have abnormally increased VO2max scores are likely recruiting a large proportion of their muscle fibers and motor units, leading them to be able to create a significantly higher maximum cardiac output rate, (Noakes) which is a significant advantage in running. In short, since some people to have naturally higher VO2max scores than an average person, they have an important and significant genetic advantage which greatly contributes to their talent as a long distance
This is because VO2max measures the ability of the body to uptake oxygen into the bloodstream as well as the body’s ability to use the oxygen it receives from the blood. It is a necessary component to all runners, as without it, “A runner simply cannot attain a high level of performance without a high VO2max” (Karp 1). Therefore, people with abnormally high VO2max scores are predisposed to ability in endurance sports, including long distance running. And in the general population, there is a particular subset of people who naturally have a significantly higher than normal VO2max score without any training, (Epstein 95-96) creating a situation where the talent appears in the genetically best runners. This fact is important, as people who have abnormally increased VO2max scores are likely recruiting a large proportion of their muscle fibers and motor units, leading them to be able to create a significantly higher maximum cardiac output rate, (Noakes) which is a significant advantage in running. In short, since some people to have naturally higher VO2max scores than an average person, they have an important and significant genetic advantage which greatly contributes to their talent as a long distance