ACTN3 and the super-sprinter gene is the gene found in elite athletes around the world. The ACTN3 makes a special protein This the “…controls fast-twitch muscle fibers, the cells responsible for the speedy tensing and flexing of the muscles involved in sprinting or weight-lifting“. Many elite athletes have one mutation, I was surprised when my 23andme results (see below) said that I had two mutated ACTN3 genes.

Actually I am not surprised. When I was 15 years old I started weight training and got strong real quick due to my muscular legs. I trained off an on since, became a US Marine and finally learned how to Olympic Lift (weightlifting) in my early 20s. Lifting heavy things was always easy for me. The only thing that kept me from lifting serious weight was my military injuries. Still, despite being 20 percent disabled with the Veteran’s Administration, I can still lift my body weight or above for many exercises. I owe this to my genes. Thanks Mom and Dad. 🙂

ACTN3 and the super-sprinter variant

Read more about this gene from 23andme: https://www.23andme.com/gen101/variation/speed/