Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Conrad Pearson didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his jaw 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 jaw, and then my kitty died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my artery. It took ten days 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 sarong and forget about Butch, my kitty."
Brad, his sister, moved with him to Costa Rica to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Fritz, in their ornate brownstone, where he still labors as a taxi driver to help pay for Conrad's expensive training.