Currently, an interesting phenomenon that can demonstrate the close relationship between genetics, environment, and physical performance, is the dominance of African runners (Kenyan and Ethiopian) in the long distance running. In this sense, certain factors (childhood lifestyle, psychological motivation for economic and social success, diet type, physical training type, biotype, physiological and biochemical profile, and genetic background) of the intriguing and complex interaction between genotype and phenotype have been proposed in an attempt to explain the extraordinary success of African runners. Thereby, the aim of this article is to discuss some possible factors responsible for this phenomenon of athletic performance in the restricted universe of Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.
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