Genes and Athletic Performance: The 2023 Update.

Phenotypes of athletic performance and exercise capacity are complex traits influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This update on the panel of genetic markers (DNA polymorphisms) associated with athlete status summarises recent advances in sports genomics research, including findings from candidate gene and genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, meta-analyses, and findings involving larger-scale initiatives such as the UK Biobank. As of the end of May 2023, a total of 251 DNA polymorphisms have been associated with athlete status, of which 128 genetic markers were positively associated with athlete status in at least two studies (41 endurance-related, 45 power-related, and 42 strength-related). The most promising genetic markers include the rs17602729 C, rs236448 A, rs1799945 G, rs1052373 G, rs1572312 C, rs4253778 G, and rs8192678 G alleles for endurance; rs1815739 C, rs17602729 C, rs236448 C, rs3213537 G, rs558129 T, rs680 G, rs699785 A, rs2070744 T, and rs7832552 T alleles for power; and rs1815739 C, ≥21 CAG repeats, rs10186876 A, rs9320823 T, rs6905419 C, and rs1801282 G alleles for strength. It should be appreciated, however, that elite performance still cannot be predicted well using only genetic testing.