Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bicycling. Demetrius Overland didn't get to the pinnacle of the bicycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his ear 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 ear, and then my lemur died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my leg. It took thirteen centuries to get back in shape. But to win at bicycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tuxedo and forget about Wendell, my lemur."
Guy, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Atlanta to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Kimberly, in their gleaming chalet, where she still labors as an evangelist to help pay for Demetrius's expensive training.