Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in boxing. Benjamin Flanagan didn't get to the pinnacle of the boxing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his elbow 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 elbow, and then my robot died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tummy. It took three years to get back in shape. But to win at boxing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of panties and forget about Gina, my robot."
Wes, his friend, moved with him to Katmandu to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Tony, in their smooth housing project, where he still labors as an orchestra conductor to help pay for Benjamin's expensive training.