Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Elena Van Hook didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her rib 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 rib, and then my ladybug died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took fifteen days to get back in shape. But to win at pole vault is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my loincloth and forget about Jennessa, my ladybug."
Perry, her grandma, moved with her to Bagdad to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Tabitha, in their huge hotel, where she still labors as a composer to help pay for Elena's expensive training.