Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in badminton. Michelle Perry didn't get to the pinnacle of the badminton world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her toe 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 toe, and then my koala died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hangnail. It took three years to get back in shape. But to win at badminton is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my fur coat and forget about Nadine, my koala."
Gretchen, her mommy, moved with her to Zambia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Rosa, in their damaged villa, where she still labors as a colonel to help pay for Michelle's expensive training.