"Improving Game Performance with Elite Athlete Genes"... Japanese Study Halted After 5 Years

Collection of Physical Data from Over 2,000 People Ahead of Tokyo Olympics
Decision to Halt Amid Discrimination Concerns

The National Sports Science Center under the Japan Sports Council (JSC) has reportedly halted a study investigating the correlation between athletes' genes, performance results, and injury risks.

2021 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony Empty Stands and Olympic Flame
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the Mainichi Shimbun on the 17th, the Sports Science Center began the study in 2017 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, collecting physical and performance data from top-level athletes of various sports organizations to analyze how specific genes affect performance, training effects, and risks of trauma and disabilities.

However, concerns arose within the center that the results obtained during the research could be misused, potentially leading to athlete selection or discrimination based on genetic information.

In response, the center sought opinions from external experts and ultimately decided to discontinue the study in 2022.

It is reported that the center has not yet informed the approximately 2,000 athletes who cooperated in the study about the reasons for its discontinuation.

A center representative stated, "Considering whether we can take full responsibility for the research results, we judged that caution was necessary," adding, "Once the future direction becomes clearer, we will report to the cooperating athletes as well."

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