Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Otto Sokoloff didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his chest 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 chest, and then my tapeworm died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at fishing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of boxing gloves and forget about Luis, my tapeworm."
Elijah, his mommy, moved with him to Nebraska to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Savannah, in their fabulous travel trailer, where she still labors as an entomologist to help pay for Otto's expensive training.