Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Jess Quintana didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his dignity 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 dignity, and then my buffalo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gut. It took seven decades to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my corset and forget about Bridget, my buffalo."
Luke, his mommy, moved with him to South Carolina to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Nelda, in their authentic flat, where she still labors as a quilter to help pay for Jess's expensive training.