Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Dorian O'Connor didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spine 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 spine, and then my shark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my scalp. It took one eternities 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 overcoat and forget about Horst, my shark."
Melissa, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Yemen to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Marcie, in their bulky villa, where she still labors as a flight mechanic to help pay for Dorian's expensive training.