Adversity.

I think the statement is true, when people get placed in stressful situations they only really have one of two reactions. Fight or flight, meaning they either stand up to the issue, address it and over come it. Or they take flight and run away from the problem. Normally when you have to face adversity there is alot riding, that's what he means when he says people, "break or break records". So if they fail what they risked to go after what caused them adversity is gone and broken. But if the succeed they win the prize worth going through all the adversity for.