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Jamaicans Spell Speed 'D-N-A'

Sprinters' success a combination of nature and nurture

By Sarah Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 1:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Jamaicans sprinters are cleaning up in Beijing, thanks to both biology and their backgrounds. Runners of West African descent—including Jamaicans—have more "fast-twitch" muscle fibers, the kind that generate quick bursts of energy, Slate explains. But nature alone didn't propel 100-meter champ Usain... Read full story »

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Jamaicans Spell Speed 'D-N-A'

Sprinters' success a combination of nature and nurture

Jamaica • 2008 Beijing Olympics • track and field • Usain Bolt • sprinters • Shelly-Ann Fraser

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