Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Wilbur Marshall didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his finger 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 finger, and then my boar died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kneecap. It took fourteen days to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my camisole and forget about Sven, my boar."
Arthur, his aunt, moved with him to Alabama to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Hoss, in their crude chateau, where he still labors as a pharmacist to help pay for Wilbur's expensive training.