Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Maximilian Zhao didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his knee 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 knee, and then my mule died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heel. It took five lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of khakis and forget about Walt, my mule."
Mabel, his grandfather, moved with him to Dallas to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Buster, in their cheap chalet, where he still labors as a pathologist to help pay for Maximilian's expensive training.