Message #17469

[smackboy1]

Agree that none of us can relate to their awesome skill and athleticism. But another aspect that I've also never been able to relate to is: how much of the race is already pre-determined before Ligety or Hirscher even step into the start house? To the extent that the highest echelon of sport is akin to a chess match, what is the contribution of: equipment; support team; strategy; finances; course conditions; random luck?

Just to pick one thing: how would things be different if all these guys were allowed to choose and set up their own equipment (within the rules) free of the constraints of sponsorship?