Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Jesse Rinfield didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his throat 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 throat, and then my phantom died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my head. It took six centuries to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my black belt and forget about Jordan, my phantom."
Guy, his mommy, moved with him to Kentucky to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Alton, in their cheap hut, where he still labors as a lieutenant in the Slovakian Marines to help pay for Jesse's expensive training.