John, I was similar – within 2 years of playing, I had taken my level 1, and a year later my level 2. I did it with the view that it was cheaper than receiving coaching. Unfortunately, it is not as effective as a top quality coach. Which is why we need top quality coaches 🙂 (and better coach education and development?)

Hi Ed,

You must bear in mind that Taufik had played a LOT more badminton than the others by the time he was 17. It is well documented that he played a LOT of badminton at a young age – more so than the others you mentioned. So, again, it is not necessarily that he is talented and hence successful early on, but he has put in a lot of hours of practice much earlier than the others, and hence is successful early on. To say that players are not gifted in some way is obviously ludicrous. But to say taufik was more talented than Gade (as an example) because he won more early in his career, is not true in my opinion. However, are these guys extremely skillful and excellent athletes? Absolutely.

With LCW – what is his “talent”? Is it an innate ability to be world number 1 on a badminton court? Or is it his sheer determination that he takes into training each and every day? Sure he has some great physical traits like exceptionally explosive power in his legs. Is THAT his talent? Muscle composition is genetic and so can't really be learned. From a young age, he was noted to be using different tactics and strategies to win matches. Is this his talent? To try to win differently? Isn't that mental thing as well?

In most cases, the “talent” as I see it is the determination to practice and focus and apply themselves. I can't tell you what allt he secrets to success are, because I don't know them 🙂 However, every example that I have seen of “talent”, be it in real life or the world stage of badminton, the thing that seems to seperate the “talented” and “special” individuals from the others is how much meaningful practice they have put it. It is the mentality of the individual that has got them to where they are, not some mystical quality that means they are guaranteed success. (note: the MEANINGFUL practice – keeping the correct attitude in training every hour of every session every day is not that easy to do in my opinion)

This is the main point of these books – the people generally acknowledged to be “talented”, are, coincidentally, the ones who have practised hardest and longest.

As far as I am concerned, some individuals are talented. They are able to do things that others can't. However, I think it is the mental talents that breed success, rather than having specific “badminton” or “chess” or “singing” talents etc.

Looking forward to hear what you think!