It is in every walk of life. As a species we love comparing ourselves to others, especially alpha males. It doesn't matter if it's in the gym, comparing the arm candy we are sporting with others, exam scores in school...the things we compare are endless. I think it's amazing the amount of time and energy we waste on doing these things when the only comparison we need is with our old selfs. I think the people who end up at the top of their game in their respective fields, regardless of what it is, are the ones who don't do this. The ones to don't compare themselves to others, or at least minimize the comparison as it is very hard not to do sometimes, instead they spend their time looking at where they've been, where they want to go, and figuring out the best way to get there.