Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Xaviera Johnson didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her midriff 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 midriff, and then my lobster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hand. It took eight centuries to get back in shape. But to win at racquetball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my winter coat and forget about Kaitlyn, my lobster."
Dylan, her main squeeze, moved with her to Athens to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Wilson, in their filthy boxcar, where he still labors as a parent to help pay for Xaviera's expensive training.