Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Roger Wimple didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his larynx in three 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 larynx, and then my mare died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gall bladder. It took nine eternities to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jerkin and forget about Kristi, my mare."
Bernadette, his wife, moved with him to St. Petersburg to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Aaron, in their dusty treehouse, where he still labors as a vacuum cleaner salesman to help pay for Roger's expensive training.