Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. LaVerne Nixon didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hair 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 hair, and then my shark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toe. It took eight decades to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my name tag and forget about Romeo, my shark."
Harriet, her mother, moved with her to the Czech Republic to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Stella, in their speckled retreat, where she still labors as a social worker to help pay for LaVerne's expensive training.