The statement at the top is False,
Here some examples of Successful Hard working Young Americans:
Mikaila Ulmer, founder and CEO of "<em>Me & the Bees Lemonade</em>"; Mihir Garimella, creator of <em>Firefly</em>; Noa Mintz founder of "<em>Nannies By Noa</em>"; Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy, co-founders of <em>Snap-Chat</em>; Moziah "Mo" Bridges founder and president of <em>Mo's Bows</em>.
Hard work does not guarantee success, but the lack of it will probably lead to failure.
The combination between hard work and smart decisions increase the chances of what a person can achieve. Success is a combo of determination, being smart, persistence and resolution.