Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Violet Prater didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hair 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 hair, and then my groundhog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kidney. It took three hours 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 bonnet and forget about Walt, my groundhog."
Ava, her grandmother, moved with her to Uzbekistan to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Tim, in their petite manor, where he still labors as a reporter to help pay for Violet's expensive training.