Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in couch potatoism. Shawn Bentzinger didn't get to the pinnacle of the couch potatoism world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his esophagus 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 esophagus, and then my peacock died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took thirteen decades to get back in shape. But to win at couch potatoism is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of boxer shorts and forget about Joe, my peacock."
Pete, his friend, moved with him to Rochester to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Rex, in their torn studio, where he still labors as an organic farmer to help pay for Shawn's expensive training.