Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cricket. Deng Shoemaker didn't get to the pinnacle of the cricket world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his ankle 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 ankle, and then my ladybug died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gall bladder. It took twelve decades to get back in shape. But to win at cricket is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wedding dress and forget about Bart, my ladybug."
Keiko, his girlfriend, moved with him to Sri Lanka to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Travis, in their crisp wigwam, where he still labors as an attorney to help pay for Deng's expensive training.