Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bullfighting. Maria Popper didn't get to the pinnacle of the bullfighting world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her toenail in two 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 toenail, and then my hog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my skin. It took nine weeks to get back in shape. But to win at bullfighting is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of dungarees and forget about Malcolm, my hog."
Dennis, her sister, moved with her to Algeria to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Christina, in their plastic trough, where she still labors as a mechanical engineer to help pay for Maria's expensive training.