Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Betty Benishek didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her aorta 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 aorta, and then my cockatiel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my fingernail. It took eleven years to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of toe shoes and forget about Christine, my cockatiel."
Bella, her grandpa, moved with her to St. Louis to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Craig, in their damaged junk car, where he still labors as a clarinetist to help pay for Betty's expensive training.