Gladwell never claimed that we're all given equal potential though. Most of the book is focused on the gains from deliberate practice amongst those who already are genetically set up to succeed. In fact, a central point is about how practice helps to amplify those initial advantages not diminish them.
Seems like at first he was saying talent was mostly a myth, and then backed off a little when challenged and said that talent matters some, as a prerequisite or what have you. But I've heard him on the radio talking about how Wayne Gretzky was the best ever at his sport not because of talent, but because of love of the game. Apparently, Gretzky just loved hockey more than anyone else. I guess there are no Rudy's in hockey.
