Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Eric Greco didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his aorta 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 aorta, and then my mare died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my throat. It took one minutes to get back in shape. But to win at soccer is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ponytail and forget about Nigel, my mare."
Nettie, his grandmother, moved with him to Pittsburgh to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Horace, in their rigid closet, where he still labors as a pawnbroker to help pay for Eric's expensive training.