Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Iris Hayashida didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spine 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 spine, and then my wombat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my collarbone. It took seven fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cocktail dress and forget about Brook, my wombat."
Aristotle, her sister-in-law, moved with her to the Swiss Alps to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Cassie, in their torn skyscraper, where she still labors as an upholsterer to help pay for Iris's expensive training.