Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Calvin Benson didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his waist 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 waist, and then my ostrich died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hip. It took eight days 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 tie and forget about Vicki, my ostrich."
Paul, his aunt, moved with him to Pennsylvania to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Lucky, in their archaic cardboard box, where he still labors as a dog trainer to help pay for Calvin's expensive training.