Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Stephanie Greybottom didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her heart 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 heart, and then my hermit crab died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took four years to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ring and forget about Kevin, my hermit crab."
Clarisse, her mom, moved with her to Yakima to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Eileen, in their ridged palace, where she still labors as a scout to help pay for Stephanie's expensive training.