Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in archery. Iris Hampton didn't get to the pinnacle of the archery world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spine 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 spine, and then my koala died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my earlobe. It took eleven fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at archery is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my turtleneck and forget about Agnes, my koala."
Saul, her mommy, moved with her to Virginia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Dolores, in their large sod house, where she still labors as an undertaker to help pay for Iris's expensive training.