Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Marjorie Martinez didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her big toe in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my big toe, and then my goldfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my paw. It took thirteen years 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 moustache and forget about Alton, my goldfish."
Rose, her sister-in-law, moved with her to Australia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Wayne, in their porcelain apartment, where he still labors as a jockey to help pay for Marjorie's expensive training.