Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Michelle Buffalo didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her chin 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 chin, and then my bumblebee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took twelve blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at racquetball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jumpsuit and forget about Isabella, my bumblebee."
Huong, her grandfather, moved with her to Macedonia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bum, in their loose geodesic dome, where he still labors as a DoorDash driver to help pay for Michelle's expensive training.