The Sports Gene by David Epstein

Image Credit: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sports-Gene-Extraordinary-Performance/dp/161723012X

Started an exercise to put up some description of books I have read, either a short snippet or something interesting about it.

My boss, a colleague and I did a short review for the book in the journal, Science, a while ago (2013). This is very much related to an article on sports and genes I have written before, with a very dear friend and ex-colleague of mine.

The Sports Gene by David Epstein
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/342/6158/560.short

It's a very informative book, thick with many real-life anecdotes on how genetics have influenced sports and its science. A peek into the world of sports, behind the glory and medals - and into the science and technology of the current landscape in sports and athletes. An interesting read for geneticists and the general audience, to see how far the sports arena has progressed. Personally, it has a clear message which I advocate, that is, genetics or your DNA plays a role, sometimes major, in many of the traits we have, sports-related or not. But it does NOT determine your destiny, e.g. whether you become an athlete, or even a good one at that. DNA/genes essentially provides your starting line. How you get to the finishing line is very dependent on other factors - environment and circumstances; a confluence of nature and nurture.