Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Timothy Shapiro didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his back 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 back, and then my jellyfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my thigh. It took seven minutes to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my raincoat and forget about Marilyn, my jellyfish."
Russell, his grandfather, moved with him to Montenegro to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Hayley, in their plastic homeless shelter, where she still labors as a psychiatrist to help pay for Timothy's expensive training.