Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Morgan Zhang didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her scalp in three places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my scalp, and then my duck-billed platypus died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spinal cord. It took two seconds to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bracelet and forget about Travis, my duck-billed platypus."
Sharon, her mommy, moved with her to Jersey City to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Edmond, in their stuffed igloo, where he still labors as a technician to help pay for Morgan's expensive training.