Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Tim Bobbit didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his carotid artery 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 carotid artery, and then my boar died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my carotid artery. It took fifteen lifetimes 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 negligee and forget about Norman, my boar."
Sandra, his mommy, moved with him to West Virginia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Hank, in their ruined park bench, where he still labors as a judge to help pay for Tim's expensive training.