What makes it less impressive is the barrier to entry. What's amazing about being the fastest runner in the world is that most anyone can try, so to be the sing

What makes it less impressive is the barrier to entry. What's amazing about being the fastest runner in the world is that most anyone can try, so to be the single fastest runner is a feat no one else the world over can accomplish. Flying an airplane across the world, while cool, is something limited to only wealthier people. Maybe you'd be able to do it, but you just can't afford to try. Not saying there isn't anything to it, it's just that it's something that even trying for is limited to a privileged few. And not to be overly cynical-- but add in concerns about global warming and fuel waste, and well it just can feel like wealthy people entertaining themselves with wasteful activities limited to the wealthy