Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Jordan McGrath didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his jaw 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 jaw, and then my coyote died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my liver. It took eight hours to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tarboosh and forget about White Cloud, my coyote."
Doc, his mom, moved with him to Hawaii to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Brenda, in their large motor home, where she still labors as a stockbroker to help pay for Jordan's expensive training.