Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Perry Munich didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his elbow 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 elbow, and then my pig died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my finger. It took three days 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 T-shirt and forget about Abraham, my pig."
Louis, his cousin, moved with him to Cape Town to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Anton, in their old mobile home, where he still labors as a jeweler to help pay for Perry's expensive training.