The Unexpected Advantage of a Late Victory: Why Early Success Can Hinder Champions
The narrative of sporting greatness frequently enough centers on prodigies – athletes who burst onto the scene with immediate, dazzling success. But a growing body of evidence suggests that early triumphs can be a double-edged sword, perhaps hindering long-term growth and sustained dominance. The pressure of expectation, the lack of experience navigating adversity, and even the inability to process failure can derail promising careers.
The phenomenon is evident across multiple disciplines. Boris Becker, reflecting on his stunning Wimbledon victory at age 17, conceded that the title “came too soon.” Similarly, Emma Raducanu’s remarkable US Open win, while celebrated, was followed by a period of struggle as she adjusted to the demands of being a Grand Slam champion.
This pattern is particularly noticeable in badminton. A top player, burdened by early accolades, learned to suppress her emotions – both positive and negative – as she rose through the ranks. Even after winning her third World title in Paris this year, she barely managed a smile, a consequence of being told never to show vulnerability after a loss. This “poker face,” while seemingly stoic, reflects a deeper issue: associating winning with emotional restraint, a habit born from early success and a fear of appearing weak. As one analyst noted, “Winning early doesn’t always translate to an athlete truly processing those wins, especially if they haven’t experienced significant setbacks.”
However, the opposite scenario – a prolonged journey to the top – can be equally, if not more, beneficial. Those who face repeated challenges and learn from thier defeats often develop a resilience and hunger that fuels long-term success. Indian badminton provides a powerful illustration of this principle.
Saina Nehwal, for instance, secured an Olympic medal at 22 but was driven to pursue a World Championship title, a goal that eluded her until after overcoming a significant injury. PV Sindhu‘s path to glory was paved with near misses, including two World Championship final losses that earned her the moniker “Silver Sindhu.” Yet, these setbacks ultimately culminated in a gold medal at the 2019 Basel World Championships. “Missing out on gold at Rio might well have pushed her to become a stronger athlete,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the transformative power of adversity.
This pattern extends beyond India. Carolina Marin and Chen Yufei both experienced a dip in motivation after early Olympic triumphs, while Kidambi Srikanth and Pullela Gopichand honed their skills through years of relentless effort before achieving World Championship and All England titles, respectively, at age 27. The key, it truly seems, is the continuous pursuit of betterment, fueled by a desire to address weaknesses and overcome obstacles.
The early hype surrounding Lakshya Sen, while well-intentioned, may have inadvertently created confusion and pressure. Dealing with the disappointment of a fourth-place finish at the Olympics, though initially disheartening, could prove to be a valuable learning experience, tempering expectations and fostering a more focused approach to training. Similarly, HS Prannoy, despite reaching a Junior World Championship final and losing, ultimately realized his potential through years of dedication and refinement.
Satwik-Chirag, a rising Indian doubles pair, exemplify the benefits of a more gradual ascent. Their successes, built steadily in their mid-20s, have provided stability for Indian badminton during periods of individual struggles. Their commitment to the grind, driven by the pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal, underscores the importance of sustained effort.
Ultimately, the ability to navigate failure is a critical component of athletic longevity and sustained success.As one commentator observed, “Not winning early improves the game.It adds necessary layers of emotional maturity, and takes the edge off that pressure to keep winning.” The experiences of Saina Nehwal, Manu Bhaker, Vinesh Phogat, Mirabai Chanu, Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, and Bajrang at the Olympics demonstrate how missed medals can serve as powerful motivators for future success. Had PV Sindhu secured the world Championship in 2017, would her imperious victory in 2019 have felt as rewarding?
That “teasing goal,” the achievement that remains just out of reach, can be a potent catalyst for growth, much like the challenges faced by sporting icons such as Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi before finally achieving World Cup glory. It’s a journey that captivates audiences and, more importantly, keeps the athletes themselves relentlessly focused on the ultimate prize.
