Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Kris Flores didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his eyelash in three 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 eyelash, and then my ant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took fifteen months to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my robe and forget about Eubie, my ant."
Tabitha, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Burbank to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Henrietta, in their new trough, where she still labors as a bookkeeper to help pay for Kris's expensive training.