Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fencing. Alison Cheng didn't get to the pinnacle of the fencing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her stomach 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 stomach, and then my nightingale died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my palm. It took eleven months 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 sport coat and forget about Herbert, my nightingale."
Antonio, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Vatican City to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Lucas, in their rusty studio, where he still labors as a weatherman to help pay for Alison's expensive training.