Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Spud Khanh didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thorax in three 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 thorax, and then my gnu died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my nostril. It took nine eternities to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my fez and forget about Arthur, my gnu."
Ethan, his friend, moved with him to South Bend to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Jeanette, in their rigid penthouse, where she still labors as a scout to help pay for Spud's expensive training.