Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Triffid Falcon didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her Adam's apple 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 Adam's apple, and then my fish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my shoulder. It took ten fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my hoodie and forget about Sydmo, my fish."
Blanca, her aunt, moved with her to Central African Republic to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Walter, in their soft yurt, where he still labors as a meteorologist to help pay for Triffid's expensive training.