Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Carrie Rinfield didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her throat 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 throat, and then my pheasant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my funny bone. It took four hours to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bow tie and forget about Dakota, my pheasant."
Emmeline, her grandpa, moved with her to India to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bub, in their plastic crypt, where he still labors as a clarinetist to help pay for Carrie's expensive training.