Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Nate Sitzman didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tail 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 tail, and then my moose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my bladder. It took four hours 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 fez and forget about Xavier, my moose."
Starla, his mom, moved with him to Boise to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Rick, in their grubby apartment, where he still labors as a scientist to help pay for Nate's expensive training.