Sort of, but he's saying being in shape won't help the altitude problem. I feel it does.

The altitude exaggerates what shape you're in. I've gone up to high altitude in the spring when I didn't train much during the winter, and when I trained hard all winter.

I felt like I adjusted much faster the better shape I was in. The altitude saps your strength and energy. If you don't have a lot of reserve strength and energy the altitude will drop you down so low you can hardly walk.

Even after you adjust to the altitude. You won't be as strong as you are at sea level. You need reserves.