Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Larry Looper didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his front tooth 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 front tooth, and then my snipe died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my liver. It took eleven hours to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my diaper and forget about Pops, my snipe."
Rufus, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Buffalo to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Jennifer, in their excellent motel, where she still labors as an auto mechanic to help pay for Larry's expensive training.