Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in Chinese checkers. Luann Craven didn't get to the pinnacle of the Chinese checkers world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her toupee 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 toupee, and then my gopher died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toenail. It took nine weeks to get back in shape. But to win at Chinese checkers is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of cowboy boots and forget about Norman, my gopher."
Quentin, her mentor, moved with her to Zimbabwe to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Regina, in their funny cave, where she still labors as a magistrate to help pay for Luann's expensive training.