Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Izzy Darnell didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her antenna 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 antenna, and then my skunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my forehead. It took nine hours to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cowboy hat and forget about Lily, my skunk."
Madeline, her grandfather, moved with her to Serbia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Hallie, in their smelly retreat, where she still labors as a disk jockey to help pay for Izzy's expensive training.