Genetics and Sports Performance

This book explores how advances in genomic science are transforming the way athletes train, recover and perform. Bringing together experts in genetics, physiology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning, it bridges the gap between research and real-world application, presenting practical strategies for coaches and practitioners that have been developed over nearly a decade of translating molecular discoveries into actionable insights.

Organized from foundational to applied perspectives, the book begins with the principles of DNA structure, gene expression, inheritance and epigenetic regulation before advancing to genetic influences on exercise physiology, nutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery. Detailed chapters examine the roles of key genes and polymorphisms, such as ACTN3, ACE, PPARGC1A and COL5A1, in determining strength, endurance and susceptibility to injury. Applied case studies demonstrate how genomic information can inform personalized training and monitoring in endurance and power sports, with examples from track and field, open-water swimming, and team sports. The final chapters address ethical considerations, methodological limitations and the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in the era of precision sports science.

Genetics and Sports Performance is written for researchers, students, and applied professionals and offers a balanced, evidence-based framework for using genetic insights responsibly and effectively to enhance human performance while respecting its biological and ethical complexity.