Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Valerie Lawrence didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her earlobe 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 earlobe, and then my kitten died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toenail. It took fourteen years to get back in shape. But to win at fencing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my headscarf and forget about Stella, my kitten."
Katherine, her dad, moved with her to Italy to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Cosmo, in their slimy loft, where he still labors as a street artist to help pay for Valerie's expensive training.