Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Nicolas Barker didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his toupee in two 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 toupee, and then my lizard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hair. It took four fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of moccasins and forget about Kelly, my lizard."
Elliott, his grandpa, moved with him to Rhode Island to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Luke, in their stolen hovel, where he still labors as a restaurant owner to help pay for Nicolas's expensive training.