Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in archery. Lianlin Blevins didn't get to the pinnacle of the archery world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her neck 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 neck, and then my mare died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my little finger. It took nine blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at archery is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wig and forget about Giselle, my mare."
Jesus, her fiancée, moved with her to Providence to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Kevin, in their new church, where he still labors as a farmer to help pay for Lianlin's expensive training.