Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cricket. Ray Gomez didn't get to the pinnacle of the cricket world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his gall bladder in two 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 gall bladder, and then my peacock died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took fourteen weeks to get back in shape. But to win at cricket is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my set of camo fatigues and forget about Darryl, my peacock."
Adrian, his friend, moved with him to Dallas to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Evette, in their big townhouse, where she still labors as a factory worker to help pay for Ray's expensive training.