Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Azalea Zhu didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her belly button 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 belly button, and then my teddy bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lip. It took twelve lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my beret and forget about Preston, my teddy bear."
Patricia, her grandma, moved with her to Baton Rouge to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Preston, in their mysterious KOA Kampground, where he still labors as a lifeguard to help pay for Azalea's expensive training.