Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Justin Yale didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his face 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 face, and then my ostrich died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gut. It took eight eternities to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my hearing aid and forget about Paco, my ostrich."
Carla, his friend, moved with him to Rio to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Andie, in their crooked quonset hut, where she still labors as a travel agent to help pay for Justin's expensive training.