Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Lindsey Gong didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her thyroid gland in three 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 thyroid gland, and then my mink died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my face. It took two days to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jerkin and forget about Edmond, my mink."
Kami, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Yakima to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Xavier, in their peach spa, where he still labors as a distiller to help pay for Lindsey's expensive training.