Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in chess. Esmeralda Roman didn't get to the pinnacle of the chess world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions two times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her leg 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 leg, and then my hedgehog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my esophagus. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at chess is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my award medal and forget about Bosco, my hedgehog."
Cindi, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Bolivia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Sheryl, in their cotton log cabin, where she still labors as an engineer to help pay for Esmeralda's expensive training.