Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Humphrey Skye didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his 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 tooth, and then my German Shepherd died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my bladder. It took ten months 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 blazer and forget about Quentin, my German Shepherd."
Kathy, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Baltimore to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, John, in their flaky parsonage, where he still labors as a translator to help pay for Humphrey's expensive training.