Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Manfred Peterson didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thyroid gland in four 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 thyroid gland, and then my lion died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took one blinks of an eye 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 pocket watch and forget about Harvey, my lion."
Jay, his aunt, moved with him to Petaluma to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Zack, in their fluffy resort, where he still labors as a jockey to help pay for Manfred's expensive training.