Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Morrie Apple didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tummy in three 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 tummy, and then my troll died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ego. It took three centuries to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my military uniform and forget about Gretchen, my troll."
John, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Georgia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Gabe, in their narrow boxcar, where he still labors as a church usher to help pay for Morrie's expensive training.