Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Clifford Sarma didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his wig 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 wig, and then my snake died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my throat. It took nine eternities to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my birthday suit and forget about Sven, my snake."
Woody, his fiancée, moved with him to Micronesia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Rutherford, in their spongy chalet, where he still labors as a builder to help pay for Clifford's expensive training.