Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Octavius Orman didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his big toe in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my big toe, and then my polar bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my adrenal gland. It took six hours to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bulletproof vest and forget about Amber, my polar bear."
Garrick, his mentor, moved with him to Karachi to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Rosario, in their puzzling tent, where he still labors as a grocer to help pay for Octavius's expensive training.