Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Manny Stevenson didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thorax 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 thorax, and then my chimpanzee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my finger. It took seven minutes to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my heavy layer of makeup and forget about Denise, my chimpanzee."
Ichabod, his aunt, moved with him to France to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Lance, in their art deco condominium, where he still labors as a mayor to help pay for Manny's expensive training.