Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Lucifer Marchetti didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his belly 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 belly, and then my tiger died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my earlobe. It took four hours to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my set of braces and forget about Christabel, my tiger."
Jim Bob, his fiancée, moved with him to the Philippines to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Archie, in their striking barracks, where he still labors as a Dalmatian rancher to help pay for Lucifer's expensive training.