Are mitochondrial haplogroups associated with elite athletic status? A study on a Spanish cohort

► Variations in mitochondrial DNA are associated with elite endurance athletic status. ► The haplogroup V is more frequent in Spanish endurance athletes than in controls. ► We found no association of mtDNA haplogroups with elite power athletic status. ► Controversy in the field is due to geographic/ethnic disparities between studies. ► Future research is needed with large, homogeneous athletic cohorts.