Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Clarisa Flores didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her Achilles tendon 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 Achilles tendon, and then my chameleon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took nine days to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cat suit and forget about Hagit, my chameleon."
Chuck, her friend, moved with her to Bellevue to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Susie, in their musty resort, where she still labors as a sailor to help pay for Clarisa's expensive training.