Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Frances Irons didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her heel 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 heel, and then my gorilla died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took fifteen weeks to get back in shape. But to win at canoeing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my camisole and forget about Dirk, my gorilla."
Alissa, her aunt, moved with her to Richmond to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, José, in their plain manor house, where he still labors as a lecturer to help pay for Frances's expensive training.