Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. John Paul Proctor didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his palm 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 palm, and then my salamander died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. It took twelve eternities to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bicycle helmet and forget about David, my salamander."
Logan, his cousin, moved with him to Malawi to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Claire, in their stuffed church, where she still labors as a surgeon to help pay for John Paul's expensive training.