Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Sanjay Fish didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his Adam's apple 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 Adam's apple, and then my muskrat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toenail. It took twelve seconds 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 big red rose and forget about Jacob, my muskrat."
Benjamin, his friend, moved with him to Zimbabwe to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Queenie, in their leather junk car, where she still labors as a real estate agent to help pay for Sanjay's expensive training.