Sports - the big equalizer. Really?

When playing, we are all equal. The skills, talent and abilities are what counts. It does not matter who has the most expensive attire or who is driving the most luxurious car, ultimately the "hero" title goes  to the one who plays the best

But is it really so? Are we naive about the influence of money in Sports?

I think it was Napoleon who said that the battles are won and lost during planning.  Though it is correct that the on field performances are the ones that count, but most of the on-field stuff takes is determined by preparation that takes place prior to the game day performance. After all, a player who has access to a well equipped gym is likely to outperform the one who has barely enough to have 3 square meals a day. It is no wonder that the Olympics are dominated by participants from rich nations