Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Rex McCray didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming 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 eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his shin 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 shin, and then my pigeon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my claw. It took fifteen lifetimes 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 cheerleader's uniform and forget about Norm, my pigeon."
Doc, his girlfriend, moved with him to Detroit to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Hamlet, in their large KOA Kampground, where he still labors as a rabble rouser to help pay for Rex's expensive training.