Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Klaus Mackintosh didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his Adam's apple 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 Adam's apple, and then my meerkat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my knee. It took thirteen eternities 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 sweater and forget about Renee, my meerkat."
Iris, his grandpa, moved with him to Tahiti to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Christian, in their valuable log cabin, where he still labors as a professor to help pay for Klaus's expensive training.