THE SPORTS GENE Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance

David Epstein, who combined science expertise with writing for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, looks at the research and theories of what makes a good athlete. Epstein's dual interests come through in his enthusiastic narration. He provides a survey of the genetic research done since 2003's Human Genome Project, stressing that genes aren't the whole story. Studies that cover accumulated practice and the skills it helps develop as well as the conditions under which athletes develop are also discussed. These scientific discussions are interwoven with stories of athletes, including a college student who made a seven-foot high jump on the first try. Epstein covers the topic thoroughly, pointing out the drawbacks of genetic tests as he discusses the new findings. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2016]