Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Francene Trott didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her adrenal gland 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 adrenal gland, and then my brine shrimp died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my shin. It took nine seconds to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my hood and forget about Horace, my brine shrimp."
Lindsay, her grandma, moved with her to Germany to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Zoe, in their jagged office, where she still labors as an undercover agent to help pay for Francene's expensive training.