Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Crystal Martin didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hangnail 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 hangnail, and then my flea died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pancreas. It took one lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at fishing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jumper and forget about Pamela, my flea."
Nelda, her wife, moved with her to Upper Mongolia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Edwin, in their peculiar dugout, where he still labors as a jeweler to help pay for Crystal's expensive training.