lkjlkjkj wrote:
Even health, to a great extent, is determined by genetics. Also, just being healthy isn't going to make you Olympic champion - It sure helps, but it's not the deciding factor. Genetics is the #1 factor. Having the right genes will make you Olympic champion.
True a persons' general health has a large genetic component. But you are completey wrong to say that having the right genes will make you an Olympic champion.
You have to do the right training in the right environment and run the right races. Those are factors which put most American distance runners at a distinct disadvantage. How do you get into the right environment? How would a young runner even know where that location would be? How to develop the right mindset etc? It's a lot more than a genetics lottery, there are opportunities available, but how can a young runner know where and when to find them? That mostly comes down to luck.