Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in badminton. Crystal Barnes didn't get to the pinnacle of the badminton world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her midriff in three 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 midriff, and then my sasquatch died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ankle. It took six weeks to get back in shape. But to win at badminton is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my watch and forget about Harry, my sasquatch."
Cindy, her mommy, moved with her to Luxembourg to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Bethany, in their important KOA Kampground, where she still labors as a cowboy to help pay for Crystal's expensive training.