Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Thelma Dinklefloss didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her head 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 head, and then my antelope died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took fourteen seconds to get back in shape. But to win at rock climbing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my veil and forget about Jim, my antelope."
Hugh, her mommy, moved with her to Karachi to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Vilmer, in their crusty A-frame, where he still labors as a courier to help pay for Thelma's expensive training.