Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Doris Bernal didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her pinky 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 pinky, and then my elephant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spinal cord. It took two lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my robe and forget about Lear, my elephant."
Tyler, her grandma, moved with her to Japan to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Chris, in their petite chapel, where she still labors as a wedding planner to help pay for Doris's expensive training.