Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

The Limits of Athletes; What Makes Them Great?

USA cyclist Taylor Phinney tests the limits of his ability every time he competes in an event.  As one of the top athletes in the world, Phinney followed in the footsteps of his parents which are both Olympic medalists. But is that the only reason he has been successful?David Bassett

With this great athletic ability comes questions; questions that David Bassett and Scott Conger are trying to answer.  Is it genetics?  Is it starting training at an early age? How can someone run faster and farther than the average person?

Enjoy this article, The Science of Olympians, from David Bassett, professor and head of our Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies in the University of Tennessee College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and Scott Conger, assistant professor in The Department of Kinesiology at Boise State University, as they explore athletes, their abilities, and what makes it happen.