Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Alexander Tran didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spinal cord in three 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 spinal cord, and then my kangaroo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tummy. It took seven fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tam o'shanter and forget about Francie, my kangaroo."
Romeo, his mommy, moved with him to New Zealand to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Woody, in their imported teepee, where he still labors as a draftsman to help pay for Alexander's expensive training.