Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Bones Mondegreen didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his dignity in two 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 dignity, and then my porcupine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my belly. It took three weeks 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 vest and forget about Noah, my porcupine."
Delores, his mother, moved with him to Zanzibar to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Ahmed, in their ancient Victorian mansion, where he still labors as a real estate investor to help pay for Bones's expensive training.