Work harder than your peers
It is that simple for me if you are an aspiring young athlete. Train more than your rivals, work harder than your rivals, believe more than your rivals, be prepared to live in the red zone more than your rivals, want it more than your rivals to name but a few. Of course there are many elements to it in and out of your competitive environment but you have to want to go after it for yourself, not other people regardless of how much they want it for you. You also need the right people around you. Happiness is an often forgotten element.