Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Harold Wolfe didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his claw 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 claw, and then my pig died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my dignity. It took nine centuries to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bra and forget about Lauren, my pig."
Gabriel, his dad, moved with him to Chile to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Alberta, in their gruesome sand castle, where she still labors as a curmudgeon to help pay for Harold's expensive training.