More than 10 thousand athletes from 206 countries are competing at the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro. Traditionally the best runners become athletes of African descent.
Scientists have repeatedly asked the question, what is the reason that the inhabitants of a specific region — East Africa — succeed in this sport. It is generally believed that it is the genetic factor.
The share of truth in this: for example, figure Africans perfect for running — long legs can “increase efficiency”, however, no study finally confirmed the causal relationship between certain genes and success in athletics.
Specialist in exercise physiology from the University of East London Andy Galbraith believes that runners from East Africa are winning not only because of genetics. There are other factors that affect the end result.
May play a role that Africans from early childhood accustomed to walk or run long distances — often from home to school they have to walk up to 20 km, However this does not lead to increase of aerobic capacity is the parameter which measures the endurance of the person during exercise.
Another possible factor is that many athletes grew up at the height of 2000-2500 m above sea level, which can lead to an increase in the number of red blood cells and increase hemoglobin levels. In turn, this means that the working muscles are better supplied with oxygen.
Main place of training for African athletes located in Iten (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Both of these cities are located at an altitude of 2400 m above sea level. A high intensity workout that are performed at such height, can be much more effective.
Also impact might the economic component. Africa is not too rich, and therefore, success on the sports field can first of all help the athlete to take a certain position in society — and, of course, money is also important.
Andy Galbraith concludes that accurate information about what explains the phenomenal success of East Africans in running, is still there, reports the portal of Mednovosti.
