Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Marcus Wenzel didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions two times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his horn 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 horn, and then my lovebird died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took two decades to get back in shape. But to win at dancing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of dungarees and forget about Marisa, my lovebird."
Lakshmi, his wife, moved with him to Sapporo to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Ruby, in their dusty igloo, where she still labors as an escort to help pay for Marcus's expensive training.