Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in table tennis. Eldon Zimmer didn't get to the pinnacle of the table tennis world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his waist 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 waist, and then my otter died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my belly button. It took two weeks to get back in shape. But to win at table tennis is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my coat and forget about Bridget, my otter."
Quincy, his grandfather, moved with him to Namibia to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Isabella, in their art deco box, where she still labors as a psychologist to help pay for Eldon's expensive training.