Why is there a racial imbalance in sports?

[Anonymous]

It is generally known that people of African decent excel in running events. This is apparent in sports whenever those of African decent on average finish better than runners of a different decent. But what I have noticed is that this trend is only true for men. Why is it that in women's running events, Caucasian women seem to at least equal the ability of women of African decent?

[Anonymous]

I am a sports fan and I've noticed it. But I think maybe its because of social dynamics rather than physical ones. For instance, many of the female sprint runners are of african descent, but longer distances or middle distances not so much. In the US, I don't believe that is a focus in high school and junior high schools where african American females attend school. Long distance running requires a different kind of training. Also, notice that african Americans are not often in long distance running--even the men. Usually those winning are males directly from Africa. This makes sense, bcs women have a secondary role in African cultures, so they are less likely to be involved in sports--long distance running included.

[Anonymous]

It could be that the black men are the only ones with faster twitching muscle cells, not the women.