Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Melvin O'Connor didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his 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 finger, and then my polar bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took thirteen hours to get back in shape. But to win at racquetball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my heavy layer of makeup and forget about Marla, my polar bear."
Jen, his sister, moved with him to Chad to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Chuck, in their soft manor house, where he still labors as an animal trainer to help pay for Melvin's expensive training.