You enjoyed it while you could.
Some daydream, but never take a chance to sacrifice and devote themselves fully to a sport or any activity. You did it, and probably apply that confidence elsewhere in your life.
I used to be involved in producing fine art or graphic design. I stayed with it until I realized it wasn’t bringing in enough money on a regular basis. So I changed my approach to paying the bills. Even though I wasn’t pro enough to earn a living, it was fun trying. It was a learning experience about business and dealing with customers who know far less than you do about the topic. I have no regrets doing it, or leaving that life when I did.
Yep, everyone deserves the sense of accomplishment one gets when one devotes his life, through hard work, to excelling at something. You may not become the very best there is, but you’ll get close and it’ll totally change your life. It’s very satisfying and carries over to everything else you do in life, which sounds exactly like what you yourself experienced. Too bad liberals, the lazy leeches they are, will never experience something like that and will go through life hating and resenting everyone around them who has made something of himself through hard work. But... To Hell with them!