Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in couch potatoism. Sam Van Bloom didn't get to the pinnacle of the couch potatoism world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his neck 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 neck, and then my deer died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my elbow. It took eight years to get back in shape. But to win at couch potatoism is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my nightgown and forget about Ahmed, my deer."
Cody, his grandpa, moved with him to Tokyo to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Gunther, in their electronic travel trailer, where he still labors as a network administrator to help pay for Sam's expensive training.