Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Geoffrey Cole didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his belly 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 belly, and then my gnu died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my esophagus. It took four centuries to get back in shape. But to win at racquetball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cat suit and forget about Ruth, my gnu."
Joel, his girlfriend, moved with him to Concord to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Marilyn, in their hand-carved cottage, where she still labors as a barber to help pay for Geoffrey's expensive training.