[tofflos]

I believe that the popular working theory is that poor people have less options, i.e. distractions, which leads to more time spent training and better athletes. If the theory is correct then bringing people out of poverty would also decrease the number of candidates.

[diggan]

> I believe that the popular working theory is that poor people have less options, i.e. distractions, which leads to more time spent training and better athletes

That sounds backwards. Poor people have more distractions, they need to think about how to survive the current week/month with the little they have, and do everything they can do make sure to afford housing and food, leading to less time spent training.

At least that's my personal experience of being poor and not being able to focus because I didn't know if I'd afford the rent the next month.

[wiseowise]

> I believe that the popular working theory is that poor people have less options, i.e. distractions, which leads to more time spent training and better athletes.

As someone who grew up poor - this doesn’t make any sense. When you’re poor you can’t afford training, you can’t afford food and time to stay competitive.