Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Luann Hanks didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hand in three 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 hand, and then my buzzard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ear. It took twelve minutes 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 gladiator helmet and forget about Roxie, my buzzard."
Latrina, her grandmother, moved with her to Liverpool to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Miguel, in their ancient parsonage, where he still labors as a midwife to help pay for Luann's expensive training.