Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bronc riding. Valerie Quintero didn't get to the pinnacle of the bronc riding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her cheek 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 cheek, and then my pony died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my cheek. It took thirteen days to get back in shape. But to win at bronc riding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sweatshirt and forget about Papa, my pony."
Evette, her cousin, moved with her to Greece to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Kirsten, in their bronze skyscraper, where she still labors as an air traffic controller to help pay for Valerie's expensive training.