Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Phyllis Sledge didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ear in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my ear, and then my pigeon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toe. It took five years to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jerkin and forget about Buster, my pigeon."
Bria, her aunt, moved with her to Brussels to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Greta, in their unusual teepee, where she still labors as a private investigator to help pay for Phyllis's expensive training.