I'm not a sports person, or an organized-competition person for that matter, but I see a qualitative difference between "best bowler in school" and "setting world records for bowling."
I wouldn't say being the first is a waste of time, because I think virtually any effort at self-improvement has some value. But being among the best in the world, even in a smaller competitive environment, is extraordinary regardless of the intrinsic value of the activity.
It also reflects a certain tunnel vision which can be helpful or harmful later in life. But he'll be dining out on this story for a long time.
I wouldn't say being the first is a waste of time, because I think virtually any effort at self-improvement has some value. But being among the best in the world, even in a smaller competitive environment, is extraordinary regardless of the intrinsic value of the activity.
It also reflects a certain tunnel vision which can be helpful or harmful later in life. But he'll be dining out on this story for a long time.