Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Deng Vincent didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth 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 owl died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my earlobe. It took thirteen days to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my big red rose and forget about Mel, my owl."
Morgan, his mom, moved with him to Budapest to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Krista, in their brittle cardboard box, where she still labors as a neurologist to help pay for Deng's expensive training.