Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Adam Lawson didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his scalp in three 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 scalp, and then my macaque died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my cheek. It took five fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of toe shoes and forget about Harvey, my macaque."
Running Bear, his grandfather, moved with him to Algiers to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Larry, in their golden wikiup, where he still labors as a rancher to help pay for Adam's expensive training.