Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in football. Walt Murdoch didn't get to the pinnacle of the football world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his skull in three 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 skull, and then my swan died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spleen. It took eight lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at football is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my motorcycle helmet and forget about Susanna, my swan."
John, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Tahiti to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Ricky, in their rare park bench, where he still labors as a stamp collector to help pay for Walt's expensive training.