Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Norman Deutsch didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spine 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 spine, and then my dachshund died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tail. It took fourteen eternities 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 gunny sack and forget about Winnie, my dachshund."
Victoria, his friend, moved with him to Honolulu to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Brent, in their soft flat, where he still labors as a stamp collector to help pay for Norman's expensive training.