Genetics vs. Determination

I have always been a strong believer that genetics are the single greatest factor that determine athletics prowess but lately I have started to become a hard believer in the "hard work" concept. Of course everyone has preset genetic limitations but perhaps those limits can be pushed.
   World class results come so easy for some individuals that it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that all fates are predetermined and that no amount of training can change the paths that we are bound to follow. But I've seen athletes with tremendous potential who are apathetic about the sport of athletics fade away and never reach the levels that they should have. And I have seen people who seem, in respect to their genetics, "normal" have tremendous success at the national and international level.
   For the sake of simplicity, if every athlete can be categorized in one of two categories (hard working or genetically gifted) I would put myself in the first category. I think I have just as much drive and determination as anyone but genetically... Well, I'm nothing special. My problem isn't that I'm unwilling to put the time and work in to become a better athlete but I spend TOO much time trying to improve. There's a difference between working hard and working smart. There are times when pounding yourself into the ground is actually what your body needs but for adaptation to take place periods of rest must be incorporated. I'm just now, in my fifth year with the sport of track and field starting to learn that.
   I think for anyone to become truly proficient at their event they need to become so well-read that they would be able to teach a class in what they do. Recently I have trying to gather as much knowledge as possible and I'm looking forward to start training for the next season in two weeks time so I can put all this knowledge to good use and to continue to learn how to triple jump.