Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. John Kilroy didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his forehead 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 forehead, and then my leopard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tail. It took seven fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my girdle and forget about Edith, my leopard."
Sebastian, his girlfriend, moved with him to Montenegro to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Dakota, in their used brownstone, where he still labors as a wine merchant to help pay for John's expensive training.