Aaron and Hilary Anderson, a couple from Colorado, recently used a special procedure to examine the genes of their child Ava Anderson, who is only 13 months old. Using the procedure, the parents were able to look at the future athletic potential of Ava, and discovered that she is built to become a “power athlete with the steady engine of a marathoner.” Many coaches, therapists, and genetic experts are worried that parents might misuse this data and that the procedure will only add even more pressure and politics into childhood sports.

High school students can explore this controversial issue and gather opinions from classmates.

Is it ethical to look at the genetics of a child?

Does this practice put too much pressure on young athletes?

Does this procedure give an unfair advantage to those who have DNA that is coded to make them successful athletes?

Is there a clinic in your area that will perform a procedure like this one?

The Andersons think there is nothing wrong with the procedure. “So many parents thought their kid was going to be the next Bo Jackson (a former pro football and baseball star). There are going to be those parents, unfortunately, who push their kids, who live through their kids,” said Hilary, a personal trainer who played college volleyball. “For us, this was just a little side thing to help make it be fun. If Ava would rather do music or dance, that’s fine.”

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