I am not so interested in professional sports. I have, however, custom to check news about professional baseball games. My interest is very limited. "Whether Ichiro Suzuki had hit today?".
Ichiro Suzuki, is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Sewattle Mariners. If you were interedted in Major League Baseball, you would remember a Japanese player who has the sport's single season record for base hits with 262. The record was broken for the first time in 84 years since George Sisler's. Ichiro is currently on pace for his tenth straight season of 200+ hit, which would tie Pete Rose's major league record.
Ichiro rounding the bases during a game against
the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Sep 22, 2007 ( from Wikipedia "Ichiro Suzuki")
Breaking record for the first time in 84 years is outstanding achievement. On the other hand, keeping 200+ for more than several years is more outstanding because it require continuous effort and maintaining his condition.
As a rule of maintaining his condition, he clean his bat and glove after games. In addition, he stretch to keep his muscle flexible. I feel that these daily effort is the origin of his power though I cannot explain all of the secret of his ability.
No doubt, he is very talented. I strongly believe, however, that his record do not just come from his talent. His real power come from self dedication. His record continue for more than 8 years. If he is not good at maintaining his condition, it is highly likely that he would be injured and the record must stopped.
When I see his job, it reminds me of importance of continuous effort. Self-care is very basic for every professional. Maintaining your self-care more than several years is extremely difficult though every one can do that regardless of talent.
