Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Jules Kilroy didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his front tooth in three 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 front tooth, and then my robot died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my dignity. It took eight fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bowler hat and forget about Clarabell, my robot."
Doris, his grandmother, moved with him to Liechtenstein to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Briget, in their waxy penthouse, where she still labors as a contractor to help pay for Jules's expensive training.