I totally agree with you. Commitment, a word when pronounced sounds deep, filled with a lot of pressure and high results.
Just like the example you gave , using those excellent athletes. Hmm, i would say it also implies in life. Everyone has high expectations, same as everyone has high hopes on me and you. For what reasons? I don't know. And that's why we have to try to do our best to succeed.
RE: Crossing the Threshold