Final answer:
Jerry is likely to win the race against Gary, because even though Gary has a higher VO₂max, suggesting greater overall aerobic capacity, Jerry's higher Lactate Threshold percentage means he can sustain a high intensity for longer without fatigue.
Step-by-step explanation:
When predicting the winner of a race between Jerry, with a VO₂max of 60 ml/kg/min and a Lactate Threshold at 74%, and Gary, with a VO₂max of 64 ml/kg/min and a Lactate Threshold at 68%, there are key physiological factors to consider. The VO₂max indicates the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise; higher values typically correlate with a greater capacity for aerobic endurance. In contrast, the Lactate Threshold represents the intensity of exercise at which lactate starts to accumulate in the blood, which is a significant factor in endurance sports as well.
While Gary has a higher VO₂max, indicating potential for a higher peak oxygen uptake, Jerry's higher Lactate Threshold percentage suggests that he can sustain a higher percentage of his VO₂max without fatigue setting in due to lactic acid build-up. In endurance races, the ability to maintain a high intensity without hitting the Lactate Threshold can be more crucial than the absolute peak oxygen uptake capacity.
Thus, despite Gary having a higher VO₂max, Jerry would likely be expected to win the race because he can sustain a higher relative intensity of his aerobic capacity due to his higher Lactate Threshold percentage.