Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Baldwin Wibbles didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his elbow 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 elbow, and then my gnu died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chest. It took one days 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 wristwatch and forget about Samina, my gnu."
Damien, his grandma, moved with him to Stockton to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Shawn, in their miniature geodesic dome, where he still labors as a shopkeeper to help pay for Baldwin's expensive training.