Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in football. Bart Simons didn't get to the pinnacle of the football world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his collarbone 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 collarbone, and then my magpie died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took three minutes to get back in shape. But to win at football is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my towel and forget about Buster, my magpie."
Damon, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Sapporo to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Bull, in their damaged A-frame, where he still labors as an appliance repairman to help pay for Bart's expensive training.