Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Louie Gifford didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spine 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 spine, and then my bumblebee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my paw. It took seven hours to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of jeans and forget about Raymond, my bumblebee."
Eldon, his mentor, moved with him to Vanatu to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Hildegarde, in their valuable cottage, where she still labors as a welder to help pay for Louie's expensive training.