Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bowling. Deirdre Beagle didn't get to the pinnacle of the bowling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her head 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 head, and then my elephant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my palm. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at bowling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ski mask and forget about Eldon, my elephant."
Bethany, her grandma, moved with her to Montenegro to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Doralene, in their cotton housing project, where she still labors as a criminal to help pay for Deirdre's expensive training.