Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Sophia White didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spleen in four 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 spleen, and then my owl died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hairdo. It took six years to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my false moustache and forget about Lynn, my owl."
Tabitha, her sister-in-law, moved with her to Mauritania to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Betty, in their spongy homeless shelter, where she still labors as a farmer to help pay for Sophia's expensive training.