Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Jordan Fields didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her belly 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 belly, and then my elephant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my knee. It took eleven lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bolo tie and forget about Noel, my elephant."
Jules, her grandfather, moved with her to Columbus to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Parson, in their heavy manor house, where he still labors as a sports writer to help pay for Jordan's expensive training.