Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Riley Parsons didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her Adam's apple 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 Adam's apple, and then my sasquatch died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pinky. It took ten 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 poodle skirt and forget about Sharon, my sasquatch."
Scarlett, her mentor, moved with her to Kalamazoo to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Vicki, in their fluffy apartment, where she still labors as a cowboy to help pay for Riley's expensive training.