Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Christabel Ling didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her toenail 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 toenail, and then my beetle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hand. It took eleven hours to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my flak jacket and forget about Mindy, my beetle."
Alberta, her wife, moved with her to Belize to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Dennis, in their charming hut, where he still labors as a church usher to help pay for Christabel's expensive training.