Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Judith Espinoza didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her neck 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 neck, and then my yeti died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyebrow. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at fishing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my corset and forget about Archie, my yeti."
Jolene, her dad, moved with her to Tallahassee to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Luann, in their smooth junk car, where she still labors as a horse trainer to help pay for Judith's expensive training.