Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Dennis Hayward didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions two times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his rib 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 rib, and then my hedgehog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my face. It took ten blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my G-string and forget about Tracy, my hedgehog."
Lorenzo, his dad, moved with him to Venezuela to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Marty, in their torn bungalow, where he still labors as a McDonald's fry-cook to help pay for Dennis's expensive training.