Epstein Holm Character Traits

Throughout the world various cultures have excelled in particular sports. However, despite this wide array of sporting cultures some athletes prove to be particularly amazing. Throughout The Sports Gene we encountered athletes like Donald Thomas, sled dog, and to an extent basketball players. However, athletes like Dan McLaughlin, Jim Ryun, and Dominican baseball players seemed to be the product of arduous practice and their environment. Both of these factors allow devoted athletes to reach their highest potentials and represent their countries. Genetics play a major and often pivotal role in athletic excellence. Stefan Holm lived for the high jump. Holm spent much of his early life perfecting his high jumping form including dropping out of school to train. Holm’s success was great and he won the Olympic title in 2005 equaling the record of the highest high jump with 7’10.5 (Epstein 27). However, Holm’s excessive training and passion was trumped at 2007 World Championship to a competitor described as: “He still doesn’t know that a track goes around in a circle.” (Epstein 29) That competitor was Donald Thomas, who defeated Holm and was crowned the 2007 World Champion. How did this inexperienced beat a man who spent his life …show more content…
Lance Mackey dreamed on winning the famous sled dog race, the Iditarod (Epstein 226). However, Mackey did not the resources to purchase the best dogs. Instead Mackey turned to genetic manipulation to create the best dogs (Epstein 227). Mackey purchased a dog Rosie, who was slow but never wanted to stop trotting. Mackey would then breed Rosie with Doc Holliday, a dog who only wanted to run. Rosie and Doc Holliday produced Zorro, a top-notch racer (Epstein 228). Mackey continued to breed Zorro with other hard working dogs and eventually Mackey and his team won the Iditarod four times (Epstein 230). However, can genetic breeding be extended to