Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Kris Covington didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his little finger 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 little finger, and then my mongoose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my cheek. It took five hours to get back in shape. But to win at soccer is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my mask and forget about Shawna, my mongoose."
Rebecca, his main squeeze, moved with him to Nigeria to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Brett, in their slimy spa, where he still labors as an electrician to help pay for Kris's expensive training.