Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Beulah Shelby didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions two times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her eyebrow in two 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 eyebrow, and then my canary died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kneecap. It took four years to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my romper and forget about Herb, my canary."
Salvatore, her mentor, moved with her to Pueblo to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Brook, in their ornate A-frame, where she still labors as a McDonald's fry-cook to help pay for Beulah's expensive training.