Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Quincy Childs didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his eyelash 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 eyelash, and then my eel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took one eternities to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my towel and forget about Marcus, my eel."
Nelly, his dad, moved with him to Gainesville to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Fido, in their decrepit nunnery, where he still labors as a football coach to help pay for Quincy's expensive training.