Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Antonio Sitzman didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tummy 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 tummy, and then my giraffe died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyebrow. It took eight lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my trench coat and forget about Jeri, my giraffe."
Woody, his mentor, moved with him to Green Bay to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Jeff, in their striped houseboat, where he still labors as a dentist to help pay for Antonio's expensive training.