Alltop.com

It has long been believed that the fastest sprinters are born, not made—but now, science can prove it. Using ultrasound imaging, researchers compared the feet of twelve top college sprinters and those of regular joes. The study found that the athletes’ feet all had particularly short heels and longer than average toes. This came as a shock, because these features put them at a disadvantage mechanically. After further investigation, it was revealed that though at a disadvantage in terms of leverage, a short heel actually produces more force at the time of push-off.

To learn more about this study—and why some people are built faster than others, read the full article.

By Catherine Faas.

Miles more running and science.