This sport's athletes may be the fittest of them all, at least by one metric

NPR | By Jonathan Lambert

Published February 17, 2026 at 4:36 PM PST

Facebook
Twitter
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Email

Scientists have measured all kinds of athletes, and one sport consistently come out on top for maximizing the body's ability to convert oxygen to energy.

This sport's athletes may be the fittest of them all, at least by one metric

Become a supporter

Support Local Journalism

This sport's athletes may be the fittest of them all, at least by one metric

The Midweek Roundup

The Spring Issue

Support Local Journalism