Turns out, some of us might have a genetic hand-me-down from our Neanderthal ancestors that’s subtly working against elite athletic potential. Researchers found that a specific Neanderthal-inherited variant in an energy-producing enzyme makes it about 50% less likely for endurance athletes to hit peak performance. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your marathon times plateau despite grueling training, blame it on your ancient DNA.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a quirky footnote in human evolution—it’s a real-world factor for athletes and scientists alike. While genes aren’t destiny, this discovery adds another layer to understanding why some people push past biological limits while others, through no fault of their own, might not. It also sparks bigger questions about how our genetic past shapes modern potential, from sports to overall health.