Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Ken Frinklehofer didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his bicep 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 bicep, and then my pigeon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pituitary gland. It took fourteen decades 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 dog collar and forget about Eleanor, my pigeon."
Huong, his wife, moved with him to Burbank to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Briget, in their autographed homeless shelter, where she still labors as a teacher to help pay for Ken's expensive training.