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Testing Kids For Athletic Genes

$149 Kit Looks For ACTN3 Gene

POSTED: 10:07 am MST December 2, 2008
UPDATED: 10:39 am MST December 2, 2008

Is your child destined for success as an athlete because of their genes? A new test can help you find out.

Boulder based Atlas Genes offers a genetic testing kit. Just take a sample from inside your child's cheek and a lab will analyze it for ACTN3 gene, a gene linked to athletic performance.

Test results typically take four weeks. According to the Atlas Genes Web site, the test results come with a laboratory report indicating whether your child is a genetic fit for strength and power sports, endurance athletics or a combination of the two.

Kevin Reilly, president and co-owner of Atlas said since the testing kits were available to the public Monday, about 60 families have placed orders.

Experts, parents and coaches have both praised and criticized the test. Some reject it as irrelevant and unethical, or they say one gene doesn’t provide enough information about a person to determine athletic performance, according to the Boulder Daily Camera.

Atlas Genes Web site said the genetics test can be conducted at any age. Other performance-based talent identification tests can begin at age 8.

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