Weekend Reading: Will to Win

What drives elite athletes to push through more pain, sweat and tears than most people would be willing to endure just to reach higher, go faster or lift more than the last guy?

Is it in their genes or in their grit?

National Geographic's What It Takes to Build the Unbeatable Body takes a look at some of the world's top athletes and takes this question one step  further, asking not only why they want to break records, but how they do it.

 

One Part Science, Two Parts Mystery

 

In his explanation, the author points out that multiple factors, including genetic, psychological, cultural and financial, contribute to an athletes success.

But then he goes on to say,"...  the right genes may be the most critical. Elite athletes, as these super performers are called, are in a sense fortunate freaks of nature."

He cites the unusually high number of fast-twitch muscle fibers in Olympic weight lifters, for instance, and the greater proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers found in world-class marathon runners,as evidence of a genetic advantage. Average adults tend to have a relatively equal proportion of both types of fibers.

However, what he does not point out is that exercise itself can stimulate the growth of fast or slow twitch muscle fibers, depending on what kind of activity is performed.  It stands to reason that someone who uses a lot of fast-twitch muscle fibers in their workout might development more of them.

Who's on First

 

Will an inferior athlete with an indomitable desire to win be more successful than a superior athlete with less gusto?

Are physical differences enough to account for the success of some athletes or can sheer will and dedicated training propel a determined contender to the top?  

The Green Bay Packer's Vince Lombardi once said, "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." 

What do you say?