Article: An Elite State of Mind: Learning Humility...

I absolutely agree. I believe there's a fine line to draw with our attitudes though. Its fine to have an ego as long as it doesn't impose standards other people. I feel that most elite athletes have a personal ego that will say "I WILL be the top of the competitive field. I WILL be top notch. I WILL be faster than I am right now. I am confident in my ability." However the distinction between them and the "age grouper" mentality that is being referenced is that there is no seclusion between them and other athletes. There is a love for the sport, for athletics, and the athletes that fill the sport that is the essence of them and that translates to having a loving and encouraging attitude towards the people around them.

Any ego I had driving me left me in my first duathlon ever when I got "ghosted" by both the Welsch girls on the final run.

I got into this game for my own health and improvement.  The only person I'm racing against is me, and OK my training buddy.  But long gone are the aspirations of eviscerating the field with my blazing speed.

Just fun, health, and a challenge

I've never scoffed at slower racers and I have never been jealous (too much) of faster racers.  I have been known to pick random faster people to "beat," but that was more for motivation than anything else.
I have never been 100% comfortable with my triathlon performance.  For me, my issue has never been acceptance of slower or faster racers; it has always been a personal feeling of simply not being accepted.  I swim really badly and really slow; I use a road bike with clip on aero bars, mountain bike pedals and shoes and saddle, and tires intended for commuting vice racing; and I often walk the run leg nearly as much as I run the run leg.  No one has ever walked up to me pre- or post-race to chat it up, and I don't really do the same due to not feeling as though anyone would want me to do so. 
This article is enlightening, though.  It says to me that, perhaps, I will become a "faster" triathlete if I just relax, run my own race, and be accepting of the fact that I am a triathlete regardless of my times or what equipment I can afford to use.

Thanks for the share!

Awesome article. 

As an elementary school teacher and coach, I've seen a lot of kids come through the ranks.  Here are some things I've noticed.

1. A high percentage of naturally talented athletes have significant social problems.  I think being held on a pedestal and constantly having high expectations placed on you is detrimental to becoming a well rounded person.

2. The kids that go on to greater athletic achievements are those who develop humility and cooperation skills.  Even in individual sports, kids that don't develop these skills tend not to be teachable or listen to coaches.

3. The kids that go on to greater athletic achievements enjoy the sport, not just the winning part of it.  I mean, they really like it.

Best quote I ever heard and I have drilled into my son

"There's not a lot of traffic on the road of humility"