Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Jess Sims didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his brain 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 brain, and then my gila monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my little finger. It took two fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bathrobe and forget about Minnie, my gila monster."
Lorie, his mentor, moved with him to Niger to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Flo, in their clean dugout, where she still labors as a filmmaker to help pay for Jess's expensive training.