Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Lindy Tutu didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her appendix 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 appendix, and then my wallaby died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spine. It took eight years to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my caribou costume and forget about Elizabeth, my wallaby."
Gavin, her mom, moved with her to Singapore to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Anatoly, in their fabulous quonset hut, where he still labors as a crane operator to help pay for Lindy's expensive training.