Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bobsledding. Libby Vigil didn't get to the pinnacle of the bobsledding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her midriff 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 midriff, and then my hornet died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took five minutes to get back in shape. But to win at bobsledding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of cargo pants and forget about Pinky, my hornet."
Francisco, her cousin, moved with her to South Carolina to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Noel, in their striped palace, where he still labors as a pathologist to help pay for Libby's expensive training.