Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Marty Irvin didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his intestine 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 intestine, and then my teddy bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hip. It took one months to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my romper and forget about Marvella, my teddy bear."
Grover, his mommy, moved with him to Suriname to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Lillian, in their wet townhouse, where she still labors as a guitar player to help pay for Marty's expensive training.