The Science

The genetics of performance

Where science meets your potential.

Unlike ancestry or health genetics, athletic performance is one of the most actionable areas of genetic science. Twin studies consistently show that 30-60% of athletic performance is determined by your DNA—from muscle fibre composition to recovery speed to injury susceptibility.

This is not about limitations. It is about leverage. Knowing your genetic strengths lets you train to absolutely excel. Understanding your weaknesses lets you build targeted strategies that close the gap. SportGene analyses 50 peer-reviewed genetic markers to give you this edge.

30-60% of athletic performance variance is genetic
Source: Pitsiladis et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2013

50 genetic markers analysed

Evidence-led selection

Clear, actionable output

The Speed Gene: ACTN3

Your foundational Power vs. Endurance blueprint, written in your DNA.

RR P

RX H

XX E

P Pure Power

Explosive strength, sprint speed, rapid force production

Max force Short bursts Fast recovery

Sprinters - Weightlifters - CrossFit

H Hybrid

Balanced power and endurance with strong repeat-effort capacity

Mixed energy Versatile Repeat efforts

Rowers - Boxers - Mid-distance

E Pure Endurance

Metabolic efficiency, fatigue resistance, aerobic capacity

Fuel economy Steady output Deep endurance

Marathoners - Hyrox - Triathletes

Did you know? The XX variant (no alpha-actinin-3) is found in only 18% of Europeans but is virtually absent (less than 1%) in West African populations—explaining the dominance of athletes of African descent in sprint events.

Performance factors

Genetics 30-60% Sets the baseline and ceiling

Training 25-40% Drives adaptation and progress

Nutrition & lifestyle 15-25% Supports recovery and consistency

Genetics sets your ceiling and baseline. Training and nutrition determine how much of that potential you realise.

What is a SNP?

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced "snips") are single-letter variations in your DNA code. Out of 3 billion base pairs, these small differences—often just one letter change—can dramatically alter protein function.

SportGene analyses 50 carefully selected SNPs with peer-reviewed evidence linking them to athletic performance. Each one tells part of your story.

The green markers in this illustration represent SNP locations—the specific points where your genetic code may differ from others, creating your unique athletic profile.

The Science Behind Your Results

Actionable insights across every aspect of your athletic performance. These are just six of the insights you can expect to see from the 50 SNPs this test measures.

Muscle Fibre Architecture

Your ratio of Type I (slow-twitch) to Type II (fast-twitch) fibres is 45-80% heritable. This determines whether you are built for explosive 10-second efforts or grinding 10-hour events.

ACTN3 ACE PPARGC1A

Oxygen Utilisation

VO2max—your aerobic ceiling—shows 40-60% heritability. Genes controlling mitochondrial density, capillary formation, and haemoglobin efficiency set your upper limit.

VEGFA PPARGC1A HIF1A

Inflammation Response

Post-exercise inflammation is essential for adaptation—but too much delays recovery. Your IL-6 and SOD2 variants determine whether you bounce back in 24 hours or need 72.

IL-6 SOD2 CRP

Connective Tissue Integrity

Collagen gene variants affect tendon stiffness by up to 30%. The COL5A1 TT genotype is associated with 1.5x higher risk of Achilles rupture and ACL tears.

COL1A1 COL5A1 MMP3

Metabolic Flexibility

Can you burn fat efficiently at high intensity? Your FTO, PPARA, and FABP2 variants determine whether you thrive fasted or crash without carbohydrates.

FTO PPARA FABP2

Neurochemical Profile

The COMT gene determines dopamine clearance speed—creating Warriors who thrive under pressure or Worriers who excel in preparation. Neither is better; training must match.

COMT BDNF DRD2

Ready to Decode Your DNA?

50 genetic markers. Personalised insights. Actionable strategies.

Get Your Test - £199

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