IN AN era of helicopter parents eager to exploit every competitive edge for their children, at least two companies have begun selling tests that claim to help match youngsters with the sports they are genetically programmed to play best.

Born Athlete

The DNA scans, the first of an expected wave of attempts to use genes to enhance athletic performance, can steer children towards games they are most likely to win – and perhaps get scholarships to play, the companies say. The tests also let children – and adults – tailor workouts to their innate skills, the firms say, as well as spot those prone to life-threatening heart problems, concussion and other injuries.