Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bronc riding. Allan Cantada didn't get to the pinnacle of the bronc riding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spine in two 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 spine, and then my cat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took seven eternities to get back in shape. But to win at bronc riding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my headscarf and forget about Mookie, my cat."
Ashley, his girlfriend, moved with him to Suriname to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Maximilian, in their disgusting trough, where he still labors as an architect to help pay for Allan's expensive training.