Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Quint Durand didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his pinky 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 pinky, and then my Dalmatian died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took eleven days to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my diamond bracelet and forget about Damon, my Dalmatian."
So-Yeng, his mom, moved with him to Providence to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Marty, in their cheap stinky shack, where he still labors as a clockmaker to help pay for Quint's expensive training.