Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Horace Loring didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his knee 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 knee, and then my panther died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chin. It took one weeks to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of tights and forget about Riley, my panther."
Peggy, his wife, moved with him to Wisconsin to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Melvin, in their hollow spa, where he still labors as a stockbroker to help pay for Horace's expensive training.