This is an example of Talent Identification working. One doesn't need to have been participating in a sport since childhood to excel at it.
From Rio Games to Winter Olympics, Pita Taufatofua takes on cross-country ski - BBC Sport
"Taufatofua only hit the snow for the first time 12 weeks ago..."
He didn't finish DFL.
He finished 114/118, beating Colombian, Mexican, Italian, and Spanish athletes, not to mention that he qualified for the Olympics (not sure what the qualification process entailed, but there was one for sure.)
I know this is a big feel-good story for the Olympics because the guy gives great interviews and whatnot. I just want to use this to illustrate that if the fact that we can advance our sport by looking for and welcoming athletes from other sports.