Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Mildred Pike didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her esophagus 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 esophagus, and then my boa constrictor died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took fifteen centuries 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 necklace and forget about Martin, my boa constrictor."
Jordan, her mom, moved with her to Venezuela to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Julian, in their aromatic trailer, where he still labors as an interpreter to help pay for Mildred's expensive training.