Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Charlene Emery didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her eyelash 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 eyelash, and then my rabbit died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my bicep. It took five months to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my badge and forget about Xavier, my rabbit."
Dan, her girlfriend, moved with her to Jakarta to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Faye, in their ancient log cabin, where she still labors as an Internet celebrity to help pay for Charlene's expensive training.