Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Bud Glockman didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix 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 appendix, and then my pony died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my appendix. It took fourteen months to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sombrero and forget about Trixie, my pony."
Lillian, his dad, moved with him to Kiev to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Marissa, in their crude parsonage, where she still labors as a nun to help pay for Bud's expensive training.