Originally posted by acoggan
Anything? Half of the variability between individuals in VO2max is apparently due to genetic factors. Furthermore, of the remaining 50% that is due to environmental factors (e.g., training/lifestyle), about half of *that* seems to be due to gene-environment interaction effects (think of it as "sensitivity to training" if that helps). Only about 25% of the variation in VO2max is completely under our control.
As the saying goes: if you want to be an elite athlete, start by picking your parents wisely.