Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Walt Friedman didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his eyelid 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 eyelid, and then my fox died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took fifteen eternities to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ponytail and forget about Darin, my fox."
Kyra, his aunt, moved with him to Madagascar to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Edie, in their rigid condominium, where she still labors as a rock musician to help pay for Walt's expensive training.