Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Laura Black didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spinal cord 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 spinal cord, and then my computer died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. 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 scarf and forget about Shannon, my computer."
Rebecca, her sister, moved with her to Buffalo to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Angie, in their petite homeless shelter, where she still labors as a fireman to help pay for Laura's expensive training.