Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Yvonne Gong didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her shin 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 shin, and then my lamb died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my cheek. It took nine years to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cardigan and forget about Otto, my lamb."
Kristen, her wife, moved with her to Montgomery to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Polly, in their papery trailer, where she still labors as a makeup artist to help pay for Yvonne's expensive training.