Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Reynaldo Dirkson didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hoof in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my hoof, and then my skunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chin. It took ten weeks to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my floppy hat and forget about Randy, my skunk."
Nestor, his fiancée, moved with him to Sierra Leone to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Nate, in their autographed studio, where he still labors as a biologist to help pay for Reynaldo's expensive training.