In sports, talent and hard work are often compared and contrasted. Which one is more effective? Which one is needed to become a champion? Which one prevails when the two face off against one another?
Talent is the natural ability to perform certain tasks with great accuracy over and over again. Hard work is the drive and determination that is needed to carry out certain tasks. Both talent and hard work are essential characteristics of success — but when the two collide it is talent that comes out on top.
There are those memorable moments in the history of sports when a hard-working unknown team shocks the world by defeating a talented superpower. However, this is not a regular occurrence. As sports fans, we often support the underdog because we love to see hard work prevail. However, underdogs only exist because talent is expected to win most of the time. We would love Rocky to exist, but sadly he doesn’t. In the movies Rocky’s hard work makes up for his lack of talent. In the real world, Rocky may go the distance with the champion. In the real world Rocky may land a few punches. In the real world Rocky may push the champion all the way — he may even win one time. However, the history of sports proves that the talented champion is victorious the majority of the time.
Sports fans adore hard work. If an athlete is willing to sacrifice his or her blood, sweat and tears for the team, he or she will be idolized. The never-say-die attitude is what fans expect from their athletes. Regardless of the score, the opposition or the conditions hard working athletes keep going. They embody everything the fan’s feel. However, if the hard working juggernaut comes up against an immoveable force such as talent, the fans are left wanting more.
The majority of fans pay to see talent and do so because talent wins matches, tournaments and competitions. The majority of fans pay to see an athlete do something that nobody else can do. The majority of fans pay to see that inherent ability prevail no matter what is thrown at it.
One of the greatest examples of talent defeating hard work was the 2009 Wimbledon men’s singles tennis final be-tween Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. The final was an epic battle between two players with opposing styles. If talent was personified it would look like Roger Federer. If hard work was personified it would look like Andy Roddick.
The two gladiators competed in the longest final grand slam final since 1927 with the match running four hours and 15 minutes. In boxing terms, Roddick had Federer on the ropes at different points in the match through determination and hard work. However, it was Federer who claimed the victory as he executed important plays at important times. Federer, arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, ground out the victory with exquisite shot making and unrivaled natural ability. Talent prevailed in this instance despite facing incredible hard work.
Fans worship athletes who work hard. Fans respect athletes who are willing to give everything for the cause. However, fans care about winning and, ultimately, fans crave success. Hard work will get you so far, but it is talent that makes that 30-foot putt or throws that 60-yard touchdown or smash that backhand winner. Talent separates the ordinary from the extraordinary, the good from the great, and the challengers for the champions.
