Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Blanca Singh didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions three times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her shin 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 shin, and then my cockroach died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my aorta. It took eight seconds to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bandana and forget about Susanne, my cockroach."
Margaret, her grandma, moved with her to Liberia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Merna, in their charming wigwam, where she still labors as a viol player to help pay for Blanca's expensive training.