🚀 go-pugleaf

Surely the answer to why the Africans are `so good' can be found with both
genetics and environment. Before I get flamed for being racist I'll 
note that real (genetic) differences exist between (as well as within) races.
Identifying these differences does not imply that I'm racsist.
My eyes are different to yours, my skin colour is different, my hair etc.
Now, on a population level I would suggest that the genes for dark pigment
of skin colour is in greater proportions than here in Australia. I'll bet
that the incidence of skin cancer is less in darker skin phenotypes.. so 
us fair types will win the skin cancer Olympics hands down!! Just as there
is a higher proportion of lactose intolerance in African and Asian populations.

So, to get to running. Why is it not possible that certain body types are
going to be more suitable to certain sports, than are others. Our potential
is ultimately governed by our ability/talent/genetics. No matter how hard I
train, I'll never run 2.10 for the marathon. Likewise if I need to be 6 foot
6 tall for elite basketball, I'm in trouble.  

The studies I've read on the
physiology of African (mainly Kenyan) runners, *does* suggest that on o
population level they are superior in terms of Vo2 max, leg length, musculature
etc that is important for running. If these studies prove correct, it is not
racism, just science.

So, if there are good running phenotypes (and we know that there are) and
these phenotypes train real hard, we are going to see world beating athletes.
Add the altitude and attitude factors to a population already blessed with
good genes and it is little wonder the Africans are so good. 

If we identify the factors predicting athletic performance occur in higher
proportions in some populations rather than others, I don not see why this
is being racist.

Tim
tarmstro@metz.une.edu.au