Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Chum Pavlov didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his abdomen 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 abdomen, and then my skunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gall bladder. It took four days to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my moustache and forget about Kendra, my skunk."
Guido, his mentor, moved with him to Pueblo to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Winifred, in their ruined bungalow, where she still labors as a day care provider to help pay for Chum's expensive training.