I have always prided myself on having an eye for Greatness (which, I happen to think, is a word that merits capitalization). Evidence of Greatness is perhaps most tangible within the realm of sports. What intrigues me is the fine line between those who are really good, and those few who lift that final veil, and achieve the moniker of Great. It’s not based on merit alone, but more of a feeling. And yet, there is usually consensus amongst fans and peers alike.

I’ve come to understand success, generally, as the result of some combination of talent, and skill.

Talent is something we are born with. Even if our natural gifts aren’t discovered until later in life – they are latent; just waiting to be expressed. Skill, then, is simply the practice and development of the expression of talent. Skill is manifested as talent is more and more fully embraced; it’s every contour explored – passionately, and with deep and limitless curiosity.

Many athletes become successful through knowing their particular talents, and then practicing the hell outta them, with magnificent focus and dedication. Sometimes, though – and maybe you know it when you see it too – when talent and skill strike that magical balance, become intertwined in just such a way, blended in some perfect balance, when the expression of the two become a harmonious one, the resulting feeling is grace. Grace feels like smoothness, and composure, and confident knowingness. And grace in motion: gracefulness. Not only is the aspirant ‘succeeding’ – in the sense of winning championships or filling concert halls – but they are doing so with such an ineffable quality that it blows your hair back, sends shivers down your spine, moves you to tears, and inspires you, yourself, to do something great.

Were it expressed as a mathematical equation, I think it would look something like:

(Talent + Skill) + Gracefulness = Greatness.

Enjoy.

Currently, my bicycle is sitting with flat tires on my patio. I’m not even particularly interested in mountain biking.

But it doesn’t matter that I have no inclination (ever!) to do anything Danny does. If you pay close attention- to the fluidity of movement; the bodily expressions on entering and exiting (especially exiting) each trick; the pure creativity, – and of course the execution! – that is put on display for us here, you can’t help but be inspired by someone who is just dripping with pure Greatness.