Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Aristotle Lions didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his ankle 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 ankle, and then my rooster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took three centuries 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 false beard and forget about Wendell, my rooster."
Joel, his sister, moved with him to Liechtenstein to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Brad, in their burned cave, where he still labors as a traveling salesman to help pay for Aristotle's expensive training.