Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Raymond Scoville didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spinal cord 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 spinal cord, and then my chicken died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my elbow. It took two fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sarong and forget about Daisy, my chicken."
Brooke, his girlfriend, moved with him to the United States to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Emma, in their new retreat, where she still labors as a mechanic to help pay for Raymond's expensive training.