Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in horse racing. Mao Simmons didn't get to the pinnacle of the horse racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his wrist in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my wrist, and then my poodle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my calf. It took fourteen decades to get back in shape. But to win at horse racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tutu and forget about Ken, my poodle."
Nelda, his dad, moved with him to Manchester to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Alan, in their hefty closet, where he still labors as a microbiologist to help pay for Mao's expensive training.