supplementary material 1.docx

Introduction: The identification and selection of sports talents remain challenges for sports organizations. Athletic performance is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic ones, which may account for up to 66% of performance variation. Genetic polymorphisms are defined as variations in the DNA sequence occurring at a frequency greater than 1% and are associated with different aspects of physical performance. Objective: To evaluate the influence of ACE I/D, BDKRB2 (+9/-9), and AGT M235T polymorphisms on the physical fitness and performance of young sports talents. Methodology: This case-control study included 216 participants (108 athletes and 108 controls), aged 10–17 years (62.5% male). Physical performance (strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, agility) was assessed using the PROESP-BR protocol. DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and genotyping was performed by PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 and QUANTO v1.2.4. Results: All genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). Female athletes showed significantly better lower limb strength (p = 0.009), speed (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), and abdominal endurance (p = 0.005) compared to controls. Females with the AGT MM genotype were 6.53 times more likely to be athletes compared to those with MT+TT genotypes (95% CI: 1.364–31.337; p = 0.019). The BDKRB2 recessive model (-9-9/+9-9 vs. +9+9) was associated with agility performance (p = 0.035). Conclusion: BDKRB2 (+9/-9) and AGT M235T polymorphisms were significantly associated with physical performance, indicating potential application in identifying and guiding young sports talents.