Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bullfighting. Perry Smith didn't get to the pinnacle of the bullfighting world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his toupee 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 toupee, and then my manatee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tail. It took four days to get back in shape. But to win at bullfighting is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of roller skates and forget about Leslie, my manatee."
Anastasia, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Vanatu to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Nick, in their abnormal treehouse, where he still labors as a consultant to help pay for Perry's expensive training.