Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Alicia Crowe didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her cheek 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 cheek, and then my quail died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took eleven fortnights 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 pair of shin guards and forget about Frankie, my quail."
Reba, her cousin, moved with her to Uganda to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Gail, in their chic castle, where she still labors as a blacksmith to help pay for Alicia's expensive training.