Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Archie Baird didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth 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 gnu died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my throat. It took eleven decades to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my overcoat and forget about Izzy, my gnu."
Leila, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Colombia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Saul, in their aromatic barracks, where he still labors as a mediator to help pay for Archie's expensive training.