Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Francisco James didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his intestine in four 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 intestine, and then my buzzard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ankle. It took seven seconds 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 bomber jacket and forget about Eileen, my buzzard."
Trent, his mommy, moved with him to Huntsville to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Henrietta, in their leather park bench, where she still labors as a diplomat to help pay for Francisco's expensive training.