Authors: Tucker, R. & Collins, M.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(8), 555-561

Commentary by Leo Thornley

In this review Tucker and Collins examine the contributions made by deliberate practice and genetic factors to sporting success. The nature versus nurture argument is not a new one but as the authors point out it is an argument that has become more prominent of late.

The authors look at the complex issue of genetic contributions and the elusive search for genetic variants associated with performance. While deliberate practice is of course absolutely essential, the concept of an essential minimum amount of required specialized training in a single domain (10’000 hours) is no longer considered to be true. This paper highlights how truly understanding elements like initial performance capacity as well as the rate of adaptation to training of the athletes in your sport are essential. Proper attention needs to be given to both the identification of true talent in every sense of the word and the management of it.

This paper reinforces that performance is amazingly complex and multifactorial, it behoves us to take a holistic approach and ensure we look at the interaction and integration of performance factors.