The aim of the study was to investigate allelic distribution of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1beta gene (PPARGC1B; Ala203Pro polymorphism) in athletes (n = = 1535) and controls (n = 1113), and to find interrelation between genotypes and aerobic performance of athletes. Genotyping was performed by restriction of the fragment length polymorphism. Aerobic capacity was determined using incremental test to exhaustion by rower ergometer. The frequency of PPARGC1B 203Pro allele was significantly higher in endurance-oriented athletes (n = 582; 7.2 %, p = 0.007), athletes with acyclic activity (n = 488; 8.1%, p = 0.0005), and power-oriented athletes (n = 372; 7.1%, p = 0.026) than in controls (4.9%), and it increased with the growth of skills (p = 0.046). Furthermore, we found that PPARGCIB 203Pro allele was associated with higher values of aerobic performance (when oxygen pulse and maximal power production capacity were measured). Thus, the PPARGC1B gene Ala203Pro polymorphism is associated with physical performance of athletes.