When most of us get bored waiting at a doctor's office or sitting on the bus, we play games, browse the Web or text our friends. But Zach Gormley has another activity that he uses to keep himself occupied, and it's led him to a world championship tournament.
The 16-year-old is one of the world's best yo-yo competitors. He's been at it for five years now, and next month, the Colorado teen will put his skills to the test at the 21st annual Modern World Yo-Yo Contest in Orlando, Florida. But he won't be as nervous for the big competition as you might think -- this year marks his fourth time competing at the event.
“I’m really excited to hang out with all the people and compete and do tricks,” he told The Coloradoan.
Watch the video above to see his impressive tricks and "string formations" for yourself.
Other young athletes in unconventional sports are also making their way to world championships. This week, 19-year-old Marc Arnold was crowned U.S. Junior Chess Champion, beating out every top chess player in the nation under the age of 21 for the title. And next month, a group of American teens will take their ping-pong talents to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.
In an interview with CNN, one of the ping-pong champs, 16-year-old Ariel Tsing, offered the following advice to other young athletes: "I would just tell people to always fight for their dreams and just try really, really hard to go for it."
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