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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 531

Explain how heredity characteristics influence an athlete's potential performance ceiling in track and field events.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Muscle fibre composition significantly determines performance potential, with a higher percentage of fast-twitch fibres benefiting explosive events like sprinting and jumping, while slow-twitch fibres favor endurance events like marathon running.
  • Somatotype influences event suitability, with ectomorphic (linear) body types advantaged in high jump, mesomorphic (muscular) builds suited to sprinting, and endomorphic types potentially better suited to shot put or hammer throw.
  • Height and limb length create biomechanical advantages in specific events, such as longer strides for tall sprinters or greater leverage for javelin throwers with longer arms.
  • These heredity characteristics establish a performance ceiling that cannot be exceeded regardless of training quality or intensity, explaining why some recreational athletes cannot reach elite levels despite proper technique and dedicated training.
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Sample Answer 

  • Muscle fibre composition significantly determines performance potential, with a higher percentage of fast-twitch fibres benefiting explosive events like sprinting and jumping, while slow-twitch fibres favor endurance events like marathon running.
  • Somatotype influences event suitability, with ectomorphic (linear) body types advantaged in high jump, mesomorphic (muscular) builds suited to sprinting, and endomorphic types potentially better suited to shot put or hammer throw.
  • Height and limb length create biomechanical advantages in specific events, such as longer strides for tall sprinters or greater leverage for javelin throwers with longer arms.
  • These heredity characteristics establish a performance ceiling that cannot be exceeded regardless of training quality or intensity, explaining why some recreational athletes cannot reach elite levels despite proper technique and dedicated training.