Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in boxing. Clarabell Matthews didn't get to the pinnacle of the boxing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her wrist 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 wrist, and then my jackal died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my buttocks. It took seven weeks to get back in shape. But to win at boxing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my suit of armor and forget about Betsy, my jackal."
Nicolas, her grandpa, moved with her to Georgia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Milton, in their puzzling resort, where he still labors as an evangelist to help pay for Clarabell's expensive training.