Nastia Liukin, a former United States women’s gymnastics team member who achieved great success during the 2008 Olympics, recently took the AncestryDNA test along with 14 other world-class athletes to explore the potential influence of genetics on athleticism. The results revealed some interesting insights about Liukin’s genetic traits.
Liukin discovered that she was naturally gifted with flexibility, which she had always suspected but now had confirmation from her DNA results. However, she also learned that she was not born with natural strength and had to work hard to build it throughout her career. One surprising finding for Liukin was that she was unlikely to be an optimist, a trait she had to train and develop over time as an athlete.
By partnering with Ancestry, sports fans can now compare their own DNA results with those of over 15 world-class athletes, starting this Thursday. Brian Donnelly, Ancestry’s chief commercial officer, expressed excitement about the opportunity to spark personal discoveries through DNA science and innovation, allowing individuals to explore their unique potential and what makes them exceptional.
This initiative aims to inspire people worldwide to delve into their DNA and uncover more about themselves, similar to how Liukin gained new insights about her genetic predispositions affecting her athleticism. The AncestryDNA test offers a unique way for individuals to learn more about themselves and potentially discover hidden talents or traits they may not have been aware of otherwise.
As technology continues to advance, the intersection of genetics and sports opens up new possibilities for understanding the role of genetics in athletic performance. Liukin’s experience with the AncestryDNA test sheds light on how genetic traits can influence an athlete’s abilities and provides a fascinating look into the world of personalized genetic testing for athletes and sports fans alike.