Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in badminton. Tracy Harper didn't get to the pinnacle of the badminton world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions three times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his bladder 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 bladder, and then my bat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. It took six lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at badminton is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tailcoat and forget about Luis, my bat."
Edward, his mommy, moved with him to Santa Fe to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Wayne, in their bronze tent, where he still labors as a model to help pay for Tracy's expensive training.