Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cricket. Loreen Emerson didn't get to the pinnacle of the cricket world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her tooth in three 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 tooth, and then my porcupine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my thyroid gland. It took eleven weeks to get back in shape. But to win at cricket is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my overcoat and forget about Geoffrey, my porcupine."
Anita, her mentor, moved with her to the Amazon to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Seth, in their gigantic closet, where he still labors as a nurse to help pay for Loreen's expensive training.