What can an 8-year-old's DNA tell his parents and coaches about his future in sports?

Colorado-based Atlas Sports Genetics offers a genetic testing kit that identifies a gene called ACTN3 that determines whether a person will have fast-twitch explosive muscle makeup. The company cites research suggesting that the level of ACTN3 in a person's DNA can determine what type of sports that person is best suited for.

--Web Extra: Interview With Atlas Sports Genetics' Mike Weinstein

Last fall, NEWS9 obtained one of Atlas Sports' genetic testing kits and tried it out on Trevor Carman, 8, a young athlete from Hopedale who has played nearly every team and individual sport.

The company returned the results and NEWS9 shared them with Trevor and his father.

"I think it's pretty cool," said Trevor.

But his father, Dan, believes his son is more than the sum of his genes.

"Athletic ability is more determination and how good he wants to be than anything else," said Trevor's dad.

Via video conference, NEWS9 asked Atlas Sports' Mike Weinstein what a parent should do with the information provided by ACTN3 testing.

Weinstein said it should be used as a guide and not as the final word on whether a certain child should play a certain sport.

"For example, if a trainer knows that a person is born with fast-twitch muscle makeup, they might be able to alter a training program to develop that athlete," said Weinstein.

For the Carmans, the results were more a curiosity than a determinant of Trevor's future in sports.

"I don't care one way or the other," said Dan Carman. "He's Trevor and he's going to be who he's going to be."