Yes, of course, success requires hard work over a sustained period of time, and it's nurtured in a supportive environment, which includes the family and coach. That supportive environment can and is found in many places throughout the country. Do you think Nico wouldn't have been successful if he had gone to high school in North Carolina instead of Southern California? Would Fisher not have been a star if he had gone to high school in Wisconsin instead of Michigan?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not diminishing the role of coaches in athletes' success. They play a huge role. I just think there are lots of coaches out there who can have great results if they are lucky enough to get a great talent. Paul Streleckis guiding Gary Martin to sub-4:00 is a prime example.
I agree that champions are made, not born. But the best coach in the world can't make a national champion out of someone who doesn't have innate elite talent.