Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in horse racing. Shawn Sparks didn't get to the pinnacle of the horse racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his lip in three 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 lip, and then my computer died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took seven hours to get back in shape. But to win at horse racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my earring and forget about Olga, my computer."
Sinclair, his grandmother, moved with him to Greece to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Gilbert, in their clean houseboat, where he still labors as a marine biologist to help pay for Shawn's expensive training.