Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Joseph Barrett didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his finger 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 finger, and then my ape died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my collarbone. It took three blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of cargo pants and forget about Elena, my ape."
Vivian, his cousin, moved with him to Alabama to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, David, in their large house, where he still labors as a music teacher to help pay for Joseph's expensive training.