Live chat: David Epstein, author of The Sports Gene

In the Sports Gene, David Epstein explores that thorny subject, the nature v nurture debate – and looks at what makes the perfect athlete. Do your genes really determine the speed of your reactions? Can genetics account for the motivation to get off the sofa in the first place? Is the “10,000-hour rule” argument more full of holes than a Swiss cheese? Along the way he tells some brilliant stories. For those who haven’t read the book yet, it’s out now in paperback and I highly recommend it – it’s one of those books full of astonishing tales and facts you will be unable to resist reading out loud to your nearest and dearest.

So I’m delighted that David will be here to answer your questions on genetics, athletics and running. What distinguishes an Olympic gold medallist from an everyday runner like you or I? How far advanced is genetic testing – and what can it offer the amateur running enthusiast? Post your questions below the line, and he will endeavour to answer as many as possible.

Post your questions from 8am GMT on Monday 3 February.

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