Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in table tennis. Lester Burke didn't get to the pinnacle of the table tennis world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tongue 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 tongue, and then my peacock died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took twelve fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at table tennis is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my visor and forget about Susie, my peacock."
Doc, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Greece to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Hayley, in their greasy igloo, where she still labors as a sales clerk to help pay for Lester's expensive training.