> Elite level performers use deliberate practice and credit hard work to their success instead of talent.

> Mediocre performers don't use deliberate practice and credit talent to their success.

The author then implies that deliberate practice and hard work are the key to success. But it could also be the case that elite level performers _are_ talented and they achieve success by exploiting that talent through hard work, while mediocre performers wouldn't achieve the same level of success even if they worked as hard.