Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Kayla Hunt didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her pinky 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 pinky, and then my Guinea pig died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my larynx. It took fourteen seconds 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 fez and forget about Lily, my Guinea pig."
Marjorie, her main squeeze, moved with her to El Paso to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Jill, in their gigantic resort, where she still labors as an appliance repairman to help pay for Kayla's expensive training.