Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Damon Van Dorn didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his pituitary gland 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 pituitary gland, and then my pigeon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my fingernail. It took four eternities to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tattoo and forget about Nicolas, my pigeon."
Dax, his mentor, moved with him to Serbia to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Marion, in their ruined crypt, where she still labors as a barbell salesman to help pay for Damon's expensive training.