Sport-specific performance vs. generic "ideal" body composition

[tjl]

What examples of sports can you think of where top performance may result in a body composition that is different from a generic "ideal" body composition (what people tend to strive for when getting into fitness)?

Sumo -- extra weight improves performance, even if much of it is fat
American football, offensive and defensive line -- again, some extra weight can be helpful, even if it is fat
Distance running -- upper body muscle is often underdeveloped, since any muscle there is just extra weight that must be carried for 26 miles or so

 

[Streamline]

I don't really watch boxing, but i'd assume a lot of them would have small/er legs in proportion to their upper body.

 

[Red_Panda]

I don't really watch boxing, but i'd assume a lot of them would have small/er legs in proportion to their upper body.

Actually, my fiance is a boxer and they have pretty good leg muscles. A big part of boxing is being able to maneuver around your opponent, and they are constantly hopping around on their toes. As part of their training they do a lot of jumping around, hopping back and forth over lines, stuff like that, so they usually have good calf muscles especially from building their endurance.

 

[Streamline]

Well my logic was that they don't need any great mass in their legs and less mass they have, the lower weight class they can cut down to. But like i said, i don't really watch boxing...Looks like i was wrong anyways.

 

[davidjr74]

Well my logic was that they don't need any great mass in their legs and less mass they have, the lower weight class they can cut down to. But like i said, i don't really watch boxing...Looks like i was wrong anyways.

You need hip power to sink in on punches. so boxers legs are in good shape.