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Asked by lesterjwh to Helen, Jenni, Mark, Martin, Stu on 22 Jun 2011.
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Mark Burnley answered on 22 Jun 2011:
As far as we can tell, there is not single gene that determines speed, or endurance, or strength. We think that the interaction between genes leads to athletic “genotypes”. When we measure physiological function, we are actually measuring something called the “phenotype” – this is the observable character of a person (behaviour, physiology etc). Training and nutrition can alter this phenotype, which is why athletes watch what they eat and train really hard: they are trying the modify gene expression and therefore their performance ability. There are psychological components to this too, but of that I know nothing!
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Helen O'Connor answered on 22 Jun 2011:
Without a doubt, it is vital that a speed athlete is 100% committed to their training programme – and this includes physical skills, nutrition, hydration, and recovery time. There are specific drills and techniques that coaches and trainers use to develop speed.
In elite competitions, like the Olympics, physical skills are pretty much evenly matched across all competitors – so the athlete who is able to best control their mental state is going to take the advantage. This means remaining focused despite distractions, ignoring everything else going on around them, forgetting any failures in the past, and remaining just alert enough to do their best performance, without feeling too anxious or tense,
Mental strength will never compensate for lack of skill or training, but in close contests it can make the difference between winning and losing.
This is why most top athletes and their coaches know that psychological factors have as crucial a role as physical skills to help someone perform at the top of their game consistently and under pressure and why sport psychologists, such as myself, have a job!
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