Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Elsa Hampton didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her foot 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 foot, and then my chameleon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took eight hours to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my denim skirt and forget about Erin, my chameleon."
Georgina, her grandmother, moved with her to Thailand to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Gretchen, in their flaky hut, where she still labors as a sports writer to help pay for Elsa's expensive training.