Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bronc riding. Emily Van Hook didn't get to the pinnacle of the bronc riding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her skin 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 skin, and then my hamster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tongue. It took five days to get back in shape. But to win at bronc riding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my visor and forget about Sheila, my hamster."
Bianca, her grandma, moved with her to Green Bay to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Geoffrey, in their imported igloo, where he still labors as a gambler to help pay for Emily's expensive training.