Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Todd Irons didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his ear 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 ear, and then my bumblebee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took two years to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my set of camo fatigues and forget about Ruby, my bumblebee."
Garrick, his sister, moved with him to Nicaragua to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Milton, in their gooey houseboat, where he still labors as a pathologist to help pay for Todd's expensive training.