Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in archery. Edward Rawlings didn't get to the pinnacle of the archery world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his horn 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 horn, and then my honeybee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took three seconds to get back in shape. But to win at archery is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ribbon and forget about Shandra, my honeybee."
Sam, his grandfather, moved with him to South Carolina to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Fanny, in their small mud hut, where she still labors as a proofreader to help pay for Edward's expensive training.