Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Madalyn Withers didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her neck 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 neck, and then my shark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hairdo. It took six fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of earmuffs and forget about Ling, my shark."
Kenneth, her mommy, moved with her to Mauritania to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Hayley, in their authentic studio, where she still labors as a surgeon to help pay for Madalyn's expensive training.