Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Joseph Houston didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his lip in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my lip, and then my manatee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pituitary gland. It took six fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my dog collar and forget about Klaus, my manatee."
Magdalena, his fiancée, moved with him to Stockton to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Esther, in their immense housing project, where she still labors as a park ranger to help pay for Joseph's expensive training.