Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Jason Weatherford didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his toe 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 toe, and then my iguana died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my abdomen. It took thirteen centuries 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 pair of jeans and forget about Edward, my iguana."
Marcie, his sister, moved with him to Cairo to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Tammy, in their art deco closet, where she still labors as a woodworker to help pay for Jason's expensive training.