The Importance Of Speed....

Back in the late 1980's I was in a pub in Peckham & there was a drunk/stoned middle-aged bloke who was insistent in telling me that speed was the most important element in sport - or of any athlete. I was in my late teens & also drunk/stoned & just argued for the fcuk of it although I can't remember what I said, nor much of what he said except he was an old Bajan who loved to play draughts/checkers very loudly. Now I am a middle aged man myself I tend to agree with his view more & more. Obviously skill, dedication &, in boxing's case, toughness are important but all of the top athlete's share this one attribute - speed. What do you consider an athlete's best attribute?