Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Jesus Sludge didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hoof 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 hoof, and then my wolverine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my wig. It took twelve centuries to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of combat boots and forget about Bunny, my wolverine."
Doralene, his aunt, moved with him to Greensboro to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Jamie, in their spongy ranch house, where he still labors as a cowboy to help pay for Jesus's expensive training.