Special Report: DNA testing in young athletes

Sports stars and Olympians have all achieved athletic success. What if you could find out now how your child might one day score in sports?

A Colorado company says they can tell you just by looking at your little athlete's DNA.

7News asked two families if they’d take a shot and try the test.

Six-year-old Alex dances, plays ice hockey and balances her busy schedule with gymnastics.

Twelve-year-old Landon loves baseball and lacrosse and he first skated onto a hockey rink when he was just four years old.

So what will our young athletes' DNA determine?

After a quick swab of their cheeks - the lab gets to work. Here’s what's in their playbook:

The researchers at Atlas Sports Genetics are focusing on what's called the ACTN-3 gene. Each one of us has two of them. This test looks for what's called a variant, a simple difference on each of the genes.

Alex's test shows she has a variant on both genes. The company says that means she has a genetic advantage in endurance sports, like long-distance swimming and running.

Jennifer Conley, Alex’s Mom

"She has so much energy and so I can see that kind of being channeled in the right way to be more of an endurance kind of strength for her."

Landon's test reveals he has one variant so he'll likely be good at a wide range of sports.

Marybeth Hasenfuss, Landon's Mom

"He's 12 years old, so he's already made his decision and his commitment to the sports that he likes, so the information sort of solidifies why he selected those sports."

We asked some doctors to give a little play-by-play on this science.

Dr. Michael Murray, Brigham and Women's Hospital

"The results are not 100% predictive and if you have a child that you want to participate in sports, it might be best to let them decide what they like."

An idea that scores big points with these parents.

Jennifer Conley, Alex’s Mom

"I really believe in letting kids choose the paths they want to take, regardless of what their make up might be or what they'll be good at it."

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