Scientists discover 'speed gene' of fastest humans
Genetics plays a significant role in sprint performance, with the heritability of explosive power estimated at 70%. This high genetic influence helps explain why only a small fraction of professional sprinters can break the 10-second barrier for men or the 11-second barrier for women in the 100-metre dash.
In a large-scale genetic study published in Biology of Sport, Dr Ildus Akhmetov, a geneticist at Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, together with colleagues from the Athlome Consortium, identified a low-frequency variant in the GALNT13 gene as the most significant genetic contributor to sprint and power performance.
Led by Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, the project was carried out by a global consortium of 27 research centres across 11 countries—including the UK, USA, Jamaica, and Australia—and involved the analysis of genetic data from 4,783 participants representing diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- The study found that G allele significantly higher in African populations (38%)—nearly three times higher than in Europeans
In the first phase of the study, researchers examined more than six million genetic markers in Jamaican, African-American, and Japanese sprinters and power athletes.
They identified the rs10196189 variant in the GALNT13 gene as the top marker associated with sprint and power performance. This finding was subsequently replicated in two independent cohorts of athletes of European descent. Specifically, the low-frequency G allele of GALNT13 was significantly overrepresented among 554 sprinters and 436 jumpers/throwers compared to 703 endurance athletes and 3,090 controls.
The study found that G allele significantly higher in African populations (38%)—nearly three times higher than in Europeans (14%), East Asians (12%), and Latin Americans (12%).
This high proportion of individuals carrying a favourable variant associated with sprint potential may help explain the historical success of many elite sprinters of West African descent, alongside factors such as training, culture, and environment.
GALNT13 has previously been implicated in neurodevelopmental processes and may also influence metabolism through its role in protein glycosylation. Further analysis revealed that this variant increases GALNT13 expression, which is linked to a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres—an essential trait for sprint and power performance. These findings provide strong evidence for the role of GALNT13 in determining sprinting potential at the elite level.
Dr Akhmetov, one of the project’s coordinators, who recruited athletes and conducted muscle biopsies, said: “Our study, initiated in 2012, represents the largest-ever genome-wide association study involving high-calibre athletes. Notably, the sprinter group included 81 superstar sprinters from Jamaica and African-American backgrounds, all of whom have clinched medals at international competitions or shattered world records in sprint events.
“Given its strong association with elite sprint performance, the GALNT13 rs10196189 G allele serves as a promising genetic marker for talent identification.
“Still, genetic testing should not be used alone. It must be combined with traditional assessments—anthropometric, psychological, physiological, and performance-based. A holistic approach remains key to identifying and developing future champions."
“While genetics is only one piece of the puzzle, our findings underscore how inherited variations among groups contribute to the remarkable success of athletes of West African descent in elite sprinting competitions.”
The paper: Multi-phase, multi-ethnic GWAS uncovers putative loci in predisposition to elite sprint and power performance, health and disease' is authored by Wang G, Fuku N, Miyamoto-Mikami E et al. and published in the Journal of the Biology of Sport. 2025; 42(3):141–159.
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