Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Ahmed Meyer didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his carotid artery 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 carotid artery, and then my pelican died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my piehole. It took eight fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my G-string and forget about Austin, my pelican."
Montague, his main squeeze, moved with him to Calcutta to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Monica, in their peculiar boxcar, where she still labors as a nanny to help pay for Ahmed's expensive training.