Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Ginger Poole didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her midriff in four 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 midriff, and then my oyster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my thumb. It took nine months to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my locket and forget about Kay, my oyster."
Mitch, her aunt, moved with her to Bagdad to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Alisa, in their ornate boxcar, where she still labors as a magician to help pay for Ginger's expensive training.