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Int J Sports Med 1991; 12(5): 509-510
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024725
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Sickle Cell Trait in Ivory Coast Athletic Champions, 1956-1989

D. Le Gallais1 , C. Préfaur2 , C. Dulat3 , J. Macabies2 , J. Lonsdorfer4
  • 1Centre National de Médecine du Sport 01 BP V 54 - Abidjan 01
  • 2Service d'Exploration de la Fonction Respiratoire Hôpital Aiguelongue, 34059 Montpellier Cedex
  • 3Service de Biologie, Institut National de la Santé Publique, 01 BP V 47 Abidjan 01
  • 4Laboratoire de Physiologie et d'Explorations Fonctionnelles, Faculté de Médecine 01 BP V 166 - Abidjan 01
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Thirteen sickle cell trait carriers (SCTC) were found among 129 Ivory Coast champions or record holders in races for the period from 1956 to 1989 (10.1%). These 13 SCTC won 33 titles and national records (7.0%): 32 (12.5%) in races of 400 m or less and only one (0.004%) in races of 800 m or more, and the highest-performing SCTC won 8 titles and national records. A comparison with non-SCTC Ivory Coast champions shows that SCTC won significantly fewer titles than non-SCTC in long-distance races and that they won fewer titles during their careers.

Key words

Sickle cell trait carriers (physical aptitude, champions, races, alpha-thalassemia)