> E.g. Long distance running, cycling etc where skill plays a much lesser role.
If this were the case then only those with the highest, humanly achievable VO2 max levels would dominate the sport. But this isn't the case. Why? It's just a single contributing factor (in a vast sea of contributing factors) which can lead to success. I would argue a motivated athlete with a "can-do" spirit, but lower V02 will be more successful than any unmotivated athlete with a high V02 level.
If this were the case then only those with the highest, humanly achievable VO2 max levels would dominate the sport. But this isn't the case. Why? It's just a single contributing factor (in a vast sea of contributing factors) which can lead to success. I would argue a motivated athlete with a "can-do" spirit, but lower V02 will be more successful than any unmotivated athlete with a high V02 level.