Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Nan Galloza didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hand 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 hand, and then my rooster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyebrow. It took seven weeks to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wedding dress and forget about Lily, my rooster."
Seema, her fiancée, moved with her to London to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Gertrude, in their immense convent, where she still labors as a McDonald's fry-cook to help pay for Nan's expensive training.