Quote:
Originally Posted by Bub13
(On a side note, we've been really spoiled in men's tennis with the Djokovic/Nadal/Federer trifecta. Who knows how the game will evolve, but I'd not be shocked at all if we don't see any of the current generations step up and even begin to approach that kind of dominance.
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Yeah, you make an interesting point. I oft wonder what with all the modern distractions of social media and internet entertainment (bombarding us 24 hours a day), if it isn't harder than ever to reach the status of elite athlete?
It certainly seems like it would take a lot more discipline.
That said, I suppose the counter balance would be that coaching, training methods and equipment have never been better, but I still can't help wondering if it isn't harder for the new generation to be as single-mindedly focused as those who preceded them?
This may be an apples to oranges comparison, but when I think of the great classical composers (Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, et al), these were all musical geniuses that lived in simpler times. During their era, there weren't nearly as many distractions as there are today, which presumably helped them devote themselves almost entirely to their music. (Total commitment, much like a monk).
As a result, they reached levels of artistry that have never been replicated, and may never be seen again.
If any of this is even close to being true, do you think we could see something similar someday in athletic pursuits?