Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tennis. Belle Gilmore didn't get to the pinnacle of the tennis world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her adrenal gland 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 adrenal gland, and then my gila monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my dignity. It took nine decades to get back in shape. But to win at tennis is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bulletproof vest and forget about Mel, my gila monster."
Alyssa, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Antarctica to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Anthony, in their rusty motor home, where he still labors as a postmaster to help pay for Belle's expensive training.