Since my sports career was cut short by gravity, or my inability to defy it, my best chance at becoming a professional athlete will be to live vicariously through my kids.
As a soon-to-be college graduate, I have no intention of reproducing just yet, but its nice to know that thanks to Australian scientists, I now have a better chance of producing athletic offspring.
Genetic Technologies, a company out of Australia, has begun selling what it calls the world's first DNA test for sports performance. The test studies one gene called ACTN3.
The gene creates the protein alpha-actinin 3, which fuels the fast-twitch muscle fiber found in many athletes. Every human being has zero, one or two of these fibers.
I'm not a scientist, but the law of averages tells me that if I can find a mating partner that has two ACTN3's, I have a good chance of becoming an athlete-producing machine.
So for any of you guys out there who are hoping to have a child who's an athlete, make sure you get your partner tested, for ACTN3 that is.
And now, I'm off to spend more time at the volleyball court.
