Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Conner Vaniman didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his antenna in four 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 antenna, and then my moose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ear. It took fifteen eternities to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my hat and forget about Ellen, my moose."
Jason, his sister, moved with him to South Africa to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Queenie, in their bent tent, where she still labors as a barber to help pay for Conner's expensive training.