Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Clem Eichmann didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions three times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his throat 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 throat, and then my boa constrictor died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my calf. It took ten blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my coat of mail and forget about Buddy, my boa constrictor."
Gerald, his cousin, moved with him to St. Paul to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Randy, in their small junk car, where he still labors as a drummer to help pay for Clem's expensive training.