Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Calvin Deng didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his shin 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 shin, and then my chipmunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my appendix. It took three months to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my midi skirt and forget about Janice, my chipmunk."
Tina, his grandfather, moved with him to Paris to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Randall, in their nifty chateau, where he still labors as a barber to help pay for Calvin's expensive training.