Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Steven Stevens didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his Achilles tendon in three places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my Achilles tendon, and then my gila monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pancreas. It took two minutes to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my black belt and forget about Flo, my gila monster."
Ahmed, his cousin, moved with him to Libya to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Terri, in their archaic closet, where she still labors as an inventor to help pay for Steven's expensive training.