Academic: Math/Physics/Bio/Chem/Coding competitions
Sports: Tennis/Swimming/Golfing/Fensing/Figure Skating/Table Tennis/Badminton...
All are individual activities because they are more "objective", easier to measure, easier for individuals to stand out (the more efforts the more measurable "accomplishment"), and less politics, schmooze or "bullshitting" needed.
So the eventual result in careers? Tracks that require high individual focus and efforts, such as scientists, engineers, professors, etc.
Sadly, with the progression in these tracks, more and more schmoozing and "bullshitting" are still needed.
