Nature versus nurture- Athletic Ability

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Nature versus nurture is a topic that has been well debated all around the world. It means whether a humans characteristics are formed by their genetics or from their environment. The nature versus nurture issue in athletic ability is very divisive.  Was it your parent’s genes or was it the training that made you great? Some scientists believe that if you have a parent or parents that are great athletes you were born to be an athlete, but other scientist believe that in order to become great you have to practice, be dedicated, and have the right training.  In my opinion I think both nature, and nurture play a part in athletic abilities. You need the right training but you also need a parent that was an athlete or his genes to help you and give you the right environment.

            Using the research I have done, scientists and psychologists have different opinions regarding athletic abilities. Dr. Karen Fish from Stanford University once said, “Without training and opportunities, artists and athletes such as these probably would not have much success. And without genetics, they would have had an even harder time.” This means that athletes need both nature and nurture to reach the top.  For example, the great basketball player Reggie Miller who over came leg deformities and achieved greatness was in big part because of nurture. If he hadn’t practiced, or dedicated time to it he wouldn’t have become a great basketball player, but he also had the height from his father’s genes, which also helped. “Currently, the most radical viewpoint representing the primacy of training and environmental factors is the Theory of Deliberate Practice, a general theory of expertise presented by K. Anders Ericsson and his colleagues” (Baker 1). Deliberate Practice is formed by activities that help develop abilities that didn’t belong naturally. It also requires attention and dedication, and it would not bring financial benefits immediately. This is stating that athletic ability has nothing to do with your genes. If you want to reach the top you have to work hard, dedicate time to it, and have the right training. This can show us how people have different ideas and opinions about athletic ability. Do your genes form athletic ability or do you become great by practice and more practice?

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            In conclusion there are different theories debating nature versus nurture in a humans athletic ability. Scientists and psychologists ask themselves this question a lot. Are athletes born or made? Are you a great soccer player because your father was one, or did you receive right training your entire life? In my opinion athletes are made great. If you want to achieve greatness and your goals you have to dedicate time and give everything you’ve got. You’ve got to practice and work very hard and in the end you will be rewarded. “Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”(Mario Andretti 1)

Links

http://expertfootball.com/training/naturevsnurture.php

http://www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=91

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/desire_is_the_key_to_motivation-but_it-s/216164.html

http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0102/jb.htm