It would seem that being naturally gifted at something is always better, however I would argue that the exact contrary is true. Through my many experiences in athletics throughout my life, I have seen the most natural gifted athletes actually be at a disadvantage to those who were at the start less gifted. 

This may seem opposite to what you would think to be true, but for an athlete who has to work to obtain a certain level of athleticism and a certain level of performance, more internal growth is required along the process. More time spent with the self, battling internal battles within the mind. The more friction that an individual goes through, the greater mentally developed they will emerge simply by default.

I’ve seen many unfortunate examples of people who had so much potential, people who coasted their way to certain milestones easier than most due to natural talent and an increased amount of initial praise and external support, but when they finally reached a point where they were hit with adversity, they weren’t built to hold it. They had always had it easier than the rest, so when things finally weren’t easy, and required some extra grit and perseverance than they were used to putting in they folded. 

As an athlete who is less gifted from the start is built up throughout the process to their success. They are bred and raised through constant friction, so when a friction point emerges at a point in their career, they are already used to it.

More growth is required for the individual who has to work for their development rather than those who have it naturally. & it is the growth that comes  apart of this process that is the blessing.