For $149, parents can now pay for a test that will predict their child’s natural athletic abilities.

In “Born to Run? Little Ones Get Test for Sports Gene,” New York Times reporter Juliet Macur wrote about the latest offering from Boulder-based Atlas Sports Genetics. After collecting your child's DNA by taking a swab of the inside of her or his cheeks and along the gums, the company turns it over to a lab to determine whether the child would be suited for speed and power (football or the 100-meter dash) or endurance (cross-country skiing and distance running) or a combination.

Macur also interviewed a mom who was interested in getting her 2 ½-year-old son tested.

“I could see how some people might think the test would pigeonhole your child into doing fewer sports or being exposed to fewer things, but I still think it’s good to match them with the right activity,” the mom said. “I think it would prevent a lot of parental frustration.”

What do you think? If you had a spare $149, would you have your child take this test?

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