Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bowling. Victoria Brunken didn't get to the pinnacle of the bowling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her Achilles tendon in two 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 Achilles tendon, and then my puppy died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tongue. It took six lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at bowling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my loincloth and forget about Chum, my puppy."
Madison, her wife, moved with her to Yakima to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Elvira, in their puzzling nunnery, where she still labors as a telemarketer to help pay for Victoria's expensive training.