Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Mao Cox didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tongue 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 tongue, and then my chimpanzee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took eight seconds to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my coat of mail and forget about Jordan, my chimpanzee."
Joshua, his mom, moved with him to Uganda to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Lex, in their flaky house, where he still labors as a monk to help pay for Mao's expensive training.