The impression on the amount and level of early-age training a serious mathematical competence requires I get from that is somewhat terrifying. On the other hand, I do appreciate pointing out the difference between appreciating feats of maximally difficult virtuoso mathematics and using mathematics as a helpful framework for describing things in an exact and unambiguous way.
I should point out that training for high school math competitions is not required for mathematical competence: Some good mathematicians were IMO or Putnam champions, and some have never competed. Competition math is a somewhat special skill.
Of course, acquiring proficiency in math requires work, just like anything else.
The impression on the amount and level of early-age training a serious mathematical competence requires I get from that is somewhat terrifying. On the other hand, I do appreciate pointing out the difference between appreciating feats of maximally difficult virtuoso mathematics and using mathematics as a helpful framework for describing things in an exact and unambiguous way.
I should point out that training for high school math competitions is not required for mathematical competence: Some good mathematicians were IMO or Putnam champions, and some have never competed. Competition math is a somewhat special skill.
Of course, acquiring proficiency in math requires work, just like anything else.