One recurring theme I've seen throughout sports, the workplace, and just about anywhere else is that as time goes on, talent eventually fades, while skill increases with practice. One of my favorite examples is contrasting two boxers: Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins. Roy Jones was definitely the more talented boxer, and the most popular. He was lightning fast, had amazing reflexes and could get away with breaking many boxing principles, like protecting your chin at all times. He was so fast that sometimes he'd hit his opponent, pull his hand back before they'd even react to the hit.
Hopkins on the other hand wasn't as fun to watch, because he didn't participate in any ring antics, and didn't seem to be putting on a performance --he just concentrated on winning the fight. His trainers used to say he practically lived in the gym. They faced each other twice each winning one --the recent one going to Hopkins. Today, Bernard Hopkins shines more than Roy Jones because he actually got better with age, while Roy Jones really degenerated, because instead of training the way he was supposed to, he simply depended on his natural talents, that faded as he got older and his body changed. Hopkins on the other hand got better because he depended on his acquired muscle memory and the thousands of hours he spent running drills that are now unforgettable to him. Still and all, they are both going into the hall of fame.
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