To The Best of Our Knowledge from Wisconsin Public Radio

Black athletes dominate certain sports – from track to basketball. But just try suggesting that African-Americans have a genetic edge and you'll stir up quite an argument. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge why we're scared to talk about sports and race. Also NPR's Scott Simon reflects on his life as a sports fan.

Journalist Jon Entine tells Steve Paulson that some elite black athletes have a genetic advantage in certain sports. Too often, he says, biological differences have been used to fuel racism. Entine's book is "Taboo: Why Black Athletes Dominate Sports and Why We're Afraid to Talk about It." Also, Troy Soos talks with Jim Fleming about race relations and baseball in the early 1920s -- the themes of his mystery novel,"Hanging Curve."

NPR's Scott Simon is a life-long sports fan. He tells Steve Paulson about his early hero-worship of baseball great Billy Pierce, and the Michael Jordan Fans he's met in war zones all over the world. Scott's memoir is "Home and Away."

Rod DeHaven is a marathon runner who'll be on the U.S. team at the Sydney Olympics. He tells Jim Fleming how he won his Olympic qualifying race, and how his life revolves around running — as much as 140 miles a week! Also, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jane Smiley talks with Steve Paulson about her latest, "Horse Heaven," set in the world of thoroughbred racing. Smiley says she's always been horse crazy, explains the different kinds of horse races, and profiles some of her equine characters.

Distribution dates:

• week of 06/18/2000 - hour 2