Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in badminton. Vanessa Spangler didn't get to the pinnacle of the badminton world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her esophagus 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 esophagus, and then my wombat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ankle. It took four centuries to get back in shape. But to win at badminton is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my kimono and forget about Jim, my wombat."
Nelda, her grandpa, moved with her to Mauritius to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Andie, in their gross trough, where she still labors as a janitor to help pay for Vanessa's expensive training.