Good topic

I would also add to this; access to resources. All top sailors are better at what they do, because good amounts of them have access to resources that usually mid and lower fleet folks do not have.

Example:
An Olympian, obviously to become an Olympic there has to be motivation, skill and yes I would say talent. That is secondary. The Olympians have access to good coaches, good boats, and all out a good team.

Usually your non-Olympic sailor does not have these resources, or it becomes extremely hard for him or her to get access due to outside reasons like work, life, family etc.

It is like having the right tool for the right job. If you do not have the tools, you will not be able to complete a job.