Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cricket. Barb Wu didn't get to the pinnacle of the cricket world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her rib in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my rib, and then my deer died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took thirteen minutes to get back in shape. But to win at cricket is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of Bermuda shorts and forget about Arnie, my deer."
Lee, her mommy, moved with her to Uzbekistan to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Tamara, in their imitation ranch house, where she still labors as an ichthyologist to help pay for Barb's expensive training.