Some people just seem to have an edge, don’t they? Whether it’s a sharp mind, perfect pitch, or incredible physical abilities, these natural talents set them apart in fascinating and inspiring ways. It’s like they have superpowers, giving them a leg up in their fields and leading to remarkable achievements.
In this list, we dive into ten people with truly unbelievable advantages. These individuals didn’t just rely on their gifts—they worked hard to turn their natural talents into something extraordinary. Their stories reveal what happens when exceptional ability meets dedication and hard work.
From a scientist with an incredible memory to an athlete with unmatched stamina, these examples show just how incredible human potential can be. Their journeys remind us that with the right mix of talent and effort, extraordinary things are possible.
Related: 10 People Who Saved a Life with Inconceivable Strength
10 John von Neumann’s Incredible Memory
Born in Budapest in 1903, John von Neumann was renowned for his prodigious memory. As a child, he could divide eight-digit numbers in his head and speak in ancient Greek by six. His ability to recall entire books and even phone directories was pivotal to his academic and professional achievements.
Von Neumann’s peers were astounded by his memory. Nobel laureate Eugene Wigner noted his ability to remember entire pages of text years after reading them. This extended to his professional work, where he translated complex mathematical texts effortlessly, contributing to mathematics, physics, economics, and the development of the atomic bomb.
His memory enabled him to revolutionize multiple fields, laying the groundwork for game theory, digital computing, and quantum mechanics. Von Neumann’s intellectual feats continue to inspire awe, demonstrating the power of an exceptional memory in achieving groundbreaking advancements.[1]
9 Charlie Puth’s Perfect Pitch
Charlie Puth is a musician with a rare and enviable talent: perfect pitch. This ability allows him to identify or recreate any musical note without needing a reference tone. Puth demonstrated this skill from a young age, astonishing his teachers and peers. Perfect pitch has played a crucial role in his musical career, enabling him to compose and perform with exceptional precision and creativity.
Puth’s perfect pitch is not just a parlor trick; it deeply influences his work. He can effortlessly pick out harmonies and melodies, making his music rich and complex. This skill also allows him to improvise seamlessly, whether playing the piano or singing. His keen ear for music has been a significant factor in his rise to fame, with hits like “See You Again” and “Attention” showcasing his exceptional auditory abilities.
In interviews, Puth has discussed how his perfect pitch shapes his approach to music, allowing him to hear and correct notes instantly. This innate talent, combined with his hard work and dedication, has made him a standout artist in the music industry. Puth’s perfect pitch is a testament to how extraordinary natural abilities can elevate one’s craft to new heights.[2]
8 Oskar Svendsen’s Exceptional VO2 Max
Oskar Svendsen, a Norwegian cyclist, holds the record for the highest VO2 max ever recorded, measured at an astonishing 97.5 ml/kg/min when he was just 18 years old. VO2 max is a metric that measures the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise, indicating superior cardiovascular and aerobic capacity. Svendsen’s remarkable VO2 max not only highlights his extraordinary physical condition but also his potential to excel in endurance sports.
This exceptional capability gave Svendsen a significant advantage in cycling competitions, allowing him to sustain high performance levels over long distances. His VO2 max set a new benchmark in the world of sports physiology, showcasing the limits of human endurance. Although Svendsen retired early from professional cycling, his record continues to inspire athletes and researchers alike, demonstrating the profound impact of physiological advantages in competitive sports.[3]
7 Hilary Hahn’s Remarkable Facility Playing the Violin
Hilary Hahn is celebrated for her exceptional skill and facility on the violin. Starting her training at a young age, Hahn quickly demonstrated an extraordinary ability to master complex pieces with ease. By the age of 16, she had already performed with major orchestras around the world, captivating audiences with her technical precision and emotional depth.
Hahn’s facility on the violin is evident in her effortless execution of even the most challenging compositions. Her performances are characterized by a blend of flawless technique and expressive interpretation, making her one of the most respected violinists of her generation. Whether she plays a well-known concerto or a contemporary piece, Hahn’s ability to connect with the music and her audience is unparalleled.
Her dedication to her craft and ability to consistently deliver breathtaking performances have earned her numerous accolades and a loyal following. Hahn’s remarkable facility on the violin highlights her natural talent and underscores the importance of hard work and passion in achieving artistic excellence.[4]
6 Lenda Murray’s Incredible Ability to Put on Muscle
Lenda Murray is a powerhouse in the bodybuilding world, known for her extraordinary ability to build muscle. Initially aspiring to be a professional cheerleader, Murray shifted her focus to bodybuilding after realizing her natural muscularity was better suited for the sport. Her transformation was rapid and impressive, leading her to win eight Ms. Olympia titles.
Murray’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced resistance from friends, family, and even her workplace, but her dedication to training and nutrition paid off. Her well-defined muscles and symmetrical physique set a new standard in women’s bodybuilding, showcasing her unique genetic gifts. Murray’s success story continues to inspire many, proving the power of embracing one’s natural strengths and working hard to excel.[5]
5 Allyson Felix’s Insane Work Ethic
Allyson Felix, an American track and field sprinter, is renowned for her incredible work ethic. Throughout her career, Felix has consistently pushed herself to new limits, resulting in a record-breaking number of Olympic and World Championship medals. Her dedication to training, coupled with her relentless pursuit of excellence, has set her apart in the highly competitive world of athletics.
Felix’s rigorous training regimen includes a mix of strength training, sprint drills, and endurance workouts. She has spoken about the importance of mental toughness and discipline in her success, often training through pain and setbacks. Her commitment to her craft has earned her a reputation as one of the hardest-working athletes in the sport, inspiring many young athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including a life-threatening pregnancy complication in 2018, Felix’s determination never wavered. She made a remarkable comeback, winning multiple medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Felix’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to achieving greatness.[6]
4 Zhang Ziyu’s Incredible Height
Zhang Ziyu, a teenage basketball player from China, stands at an incredible 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) tall. Her height gives her a significant advantage on the court, allowing her to dominate in blocking shots and securing rebounds. Her towering presence, inherited from her equally tall parents, sets her apart in youth basketball leagues.
Ziyu’s extraordinary height has captured international attention. Despite her talents, she currently faces restrictions on playing in the U.S. due to age and eligibility rules. Zhang Ziyu’s journey highlights how natural physical attributes can provide a unique edge in sports.[7]
3 Mordecai Brown’s Three-Fingered Pitching Advantage
Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown turned a series of childhood accidents into a unique baseball advantage. At age five, he lost most of his right index finger in a farming accident. Later, a fall while chasing a rabbit severely injured his other fingers, bending his middle finger and partially paralyzing his pinky. These injuries gave him an unusual grip on the ball, resulting in a curveball with sharp, unpredictable movement.
Playing primarily for the Chicago Cubs, Brown’s distinctive pitching style made him one of the era’s most dominant pitchers. His devastating curveball was nearly impossible for batters to hit, leading him to win two World Series titles with the Cubs in 1907 and 1908. His career included six consecutive 20-win seasons, highlighting his remarkable skill and resilience.
Brown’s story is an inspiring example of turning physical challenges into strengths. Despite his injuries, his determination and talent led him to achieve greatness in baseball, making him a legend in the sport.[8]
2 Evelyn Glennie, the Deaf Percussionist Who Hears Using Her Body
Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist, began losing her hearing at age eight and became profoundly deaf by 12. She developed a unique way to experience music through vibrations felt in her body. By placing her hands on various surfaces and standing barefoot, she can detect the subtle nuances of sound, allowing her to perform with incredible precision and emotion.
Glennie’s innovative approach has led to a highly successful career, collaborating with leading orchestras and musicians worldwide. Her story demonstrates how physical limitations can be transcended with creativity and determination, making her an inspiration to many.[9]
1 Jimi Hendrix’s Attention to Detail in Guitar Setup
Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist, had a unique competitive advantage: his meticulous attention to detail in his guitar setup. Hendrix used carefully selected custom string gauges, which evened out the guitar’s response from string to string. This choice of gauges included .010, .013, .015, .026, .032, and .038, allowing smoother transitions and a balanced sound across all strings.
His collaborator, Roger Mayer, highlighted the importance of this setup, noting that they didn’t alter the stock pickups in his Stratocasters, as Hendrix felt no need for modifications. Instead, his focus on the precise selection of strings and the use of a slightly curved fretboard contributed significantly to his distinctive sound. This attention to detail, combined with his innovative playing techniques, set Hendrix apart and helped him revolutionize guitar music.
Hendrix’s approach to his instrument, focusing on these nuanced adjustments, allowed him to create a fuller, richer sound that continues to influence musicians today. His dedication to perfecting his setup was a key part of his musical genius.[10]