Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Wesley Bogart didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his skin 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 skin, and then my eagle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my skull. It took five years to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sari and forget about Marissa, my eagle."
Abbie, his friend, moved with him to Alabama to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Jen, in their synthetic bungalow, where she still labors as an astrologer to help pay for Wesley's expensive training.