by Eric Zamora: "Working through it"
6th place picture story, Hearst 1999-2000
Before Gernot Aistrop broke his neck 20 years ago in a diving accident, suffering paralysis of his arms and fingers, he exercised and lifted weights every day. Now at age 40, because of wear on his shoulder muscles, he is only able to keep up with his workouts once a week. He is in pain much of the day.  However, the extra time has left him with the opportunity to build close relationships with those around him.

See Michael Tercha's entry, "Blind devotion."