Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Hillary Hobbs 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 fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her nostril 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 nostril, and then my dingo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my collarbone. It took nine centuries 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 beard and forget about Xaviera, my dingo."
Claudette, her grandmother, moved with her to Japan to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Todd, in their small hut, where he still labors as a mathematician to help pay for Hillary's expensive training.