Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rock climbing. Carrie Ling didn't get to the pinnacle of the rock climbing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her nostril 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 nostril, and then my honeybee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my Adam's apple. It took eleven hours 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 nightgown and forget about Noel, my honeybee."
Bobby, her sister-in-law, moved with her to Paris to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Rex, in their jagged treehouse, where he still labors as an upholsterer to help pay for Carrie's expensive training.