Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in volleyball. Ray Brontsky didn't get to the pinnacle of the volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his wig 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 wig, and then my phantom died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hairdo. It took fourteen minutes to get back in shape. But to win at volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my gas mask and forget about Chad, my phantom."
Edith, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Liberia to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Deirdre, in their imported houseboat, where she still labors as a calligrapher to help pay for Ray's expensive training.