Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Ira Barberry didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his scalp 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 scalp, and then my Pekingese died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toupee. It took one fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of Groucho glasses and forget about Martin, my Pekingese."
Bethany, his mom, moved with him to Ann Arbor to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Carla, in their imitation treehouse, where she still labors as a postmaster to help pay for Ira's expensive training.