Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Stuart Metzger didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his wig 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 wig, and then my tapeworm died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my throat. It took seven eternities to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my business suit and forget about Joshua, my tapeworm."
Vince, his mentor, moved with him to Upper Mongolia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Rutherford, in their original hotel, where he still labors as a disk jockey to help pay for Stuart's expensive training.