Eli5 What gymnasts having superior genetics, allowing them to be able to maintain competitiveness at the top level means?

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I’ve heard that to be able to train at the top level for gymnastics that it takes hard work, dedication, a proper diet, obviously skill, more often than not some sort of steroid to help recover, and “superior genetics”. What are these “superior genetics” that makes other people unable to reach the potential that these gymnasts have?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

At that level every small advantage counts, so you shouldn’t imagine some kind of superior human who genetically has double the mucle mass, but someone who has small advantages that shine when facing someone equally skilled.

This genetic edge takes various forms, for example it’s height for basketball players, naturally slow heartbeat (bradycardia) for distance runners, body shape for swimming or arm proportions for throwers.

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