Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tennis. Beatrice Sargent didn't get to the pinnacle of the tennis world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her chin 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 chin, and then my giraffe died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my wrist. It took seven years to get back in shape. But to win at tennis is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my heavy layer of makeup and forget about Jacob, my giraffe."
Alistair, her friend, moved with her to Madagascar to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Lonnie, in their electric convent, where he still labors as a lecturer to help pay for Beatrice's expensive training.