from 01.01.1997 until now
St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
The purpose of this work was to analyze the success of the performance of athletes from the countries of East and North Africa in middle and long distance running at the Olympic Games and World Cup in the aspect of the theory of the genetic and geographical predisposition of these nations to demonstrate endurance in long-distance running, in particular due to permanent residence and training in conditions in mid-mountains, which increases the functional capabilities of the body due to more efficient operation of the oxygen transport system and, accordingly, a larger volume of lungs, a larger proportion of “slow” muscle fibers, a higher content of energy-producing enzymes in the muscles, and a lower BMI. Based on official World Athletics records from 2001 to 2022. the author determined the percentage of representatives of 11 countries of Northern and Eastern Africa who fit the above-mentioned genotype characteristics and geographical criteria for natural high-altitude training among the winners and finalists of the Olympic Games and World Championships at distances of 800 m - 42.195 km and in the 3000 m steeplechase. The results of the study revealed the absolute dominance of runners from the countries of this region at distances of 5000 m, 10000 m and marathon and leading positions at distances from 800 m to 3000 m stipple-chase, while for men, these data are more pronounced than for women.
athletics, long distance running, East African runners, Olympic Games, World Championships
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