Final answer:
The success in individual sports is influenced not only by an athlete's individual skill but also by geographical factors and local culture, as areas with a passion for a specific sport tend to produce exceptional athletes through a positive feedback loop of interest and competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that success in individual sports requires proficiency in all areas since there is no one else to compensate for failures is not entirely true. Although it is important to have a strong individual skill set in individual sports, other factors such as geography and the culture around the sport can play significant roles in an athlete's success.
Geography and the local environment can have a substantial impact on the development of athletes. Areas with a strong affinity for a specific sport tend to produce exceptional athletes, partly due to the high levels of participation and competition, which in turn creates a talent pool. This talent pool is further enhanced by the presence of role models, or local stars, that inspire the new generation of athletes to excel and pursue success.
The presence of these local virtuous circles creates a positive feedback loop where success breeds more interest in the sport, enhancing the conditions necessary for creating successful athletes. This dynamic is a subject of interest to geographers studying the patterns of success in various disciplines, including sports.