Visual Journalist - Noah Riffe

Chi Energy poses for a photo with a scar he received from open heart surgery in his home in the Castro District on Monday, May 23, 2022 in San Francisco. The surgery required a heart bypass machine and breathing machine making him unable to move for months after the procedure.

At 50 after being active all his life, he lost most of his muscle and cut his weight by over 30 pounds. Chi now wears padded undershirts so people won’t notice his change.

“I thought I would never be able to perform again,” Chi said. Chi is a former world champion baton twirler and coach. After the surgery he was unable to perform for over a year. “Leading the band in this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade has became my goal,” Chi said softly.

Breckyn Erks watches football practice at Pius X Catholic High School, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, in Lincoln Neb. Breckyn is the daughter of School Athletic Trainer Drew Erks (not pictured) and has grown up around the team.

Mason Smith (left), Anabel Bendt (middle left), Aleeya Hart (middle right), and Hailey Landingham (right) wait for results of the Solo Dance event individual during the USA Roller Sports Roller Figure Skating Indoor National Championships, Saturday, July

Mason Smith (left) ices his head as Anabel Bendt (middle left), Aleeya Hart (middle right) and Hailey Landingham (right) talk while waiting for results of the Solo Dance Individual event during the USA Roller Sports Roller Figure Skating Indoor National Championships, Saturday, July 9, 2022, in Lincoln Neb. Smith placed fourth after a fall that required him to restart his routine and be evaluated by medical staff.

Solo Dance is the only individual event where men and women compete against each other. During the event, contestants perform their own original dance set to music.

Players and coaches huddle during a football practice at Lincoln Northwest High School, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022 in Lincoln Neb. As the newest built high school in Lincoln, Northwest’s football team is made up of mostly freshman and sophomores with no seniors at the school. Many of Northwest’s roster have never played football before.

Fido, a golden retriever, shakes off water during Dog Splash at Star City Shores sponsored by the Lincoln Parks Foundation and the Greater Lincoln Obedience Club, Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, in Lincoln Neb. Dogs in Lincoln got the last swim of the season at the public pool with over 150 furry friends in attendance.

Nebraska's Kaitlyn Hord (23) hits the ball past a defender during a Nebraska University Women's Volleyball scrimmage, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 in Lincoln Neb. Hord made her appearance for Nebraska as a transfer from Penn State in the 3 set win.