Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Vic Yang didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his heel 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 heel, and then my dolphin died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heel. It took eight centuries to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my hoodie and forget about Doc, my dolphin."
Elmer, his aunt, moved with him to France to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Shane, in their crusty townhouse, where he still labors as an au pair to help pay for Vic's expensive training.