Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Rico Frankle didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his gall bladder 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 gall bladder, and then my lamb died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my claw. It took two blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bow tie and forget about Stacy, my lamb."
Marissa, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Grand Rapids to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Vic, in their cheap mansion, where he still labors as a cardiologist to help pay for Rico's expensive training.