Top of the World

And that's what he tried to make sure his girlfriend understood about him. "She has her hobbies, like racing ten-speed bikes," he says. "I said, 'The important thing to me is you don't have to like my hobby, but at least understand it and respect it and appreciate it because it's made me what I am today.' I have friends all around the world, I'm in the television-production business because of it, and it's been my life."

Friends all over the world, celebrity status, excelling in a chosen pursuit -- what's not to like? Why isn't that worth endless hours of practice, five days a week of lifting weights and running, and perpetual reviewing of videos?

Daniel Kramer

Photos courtesy of Mike Willcox

Willcox competes against The Tank, a top pilot from the Ukraine...

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The answer is clear to Mike Willcox. And that's why he couldn't care less if you think toy planes are geeky. You're not the one getting the free trip to Spain, where you're going to be treated like a celebrity.

So sneer away if you must. Or maybe you should wait until you become world champion of something.