Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Arnold Washington didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his adrenal gland 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 adrenal gland, and then my duck-billed platypus died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my big toe. It took nine centuries 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 hood and forget about Norm, my duck-billed platypus."
Belle, his sister, moved with him to Senegal to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Coleen, in their art deco duplex, where she still labors as a watchmaker to help pay for Arnold's expensive training.