Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bronc riding. Cornelius Gleason didn't get to the pinnacle of the bronc riding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thyroid gland in three 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 thyroid gland, and then my cobra died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toupee. It took eight seconds to get back in shape. But to win at bronc riding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my kimono and forget about Theresa, my cobra."
Petunia, his friend, moved with him to Cameroon to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Cindy, in their plain teepee, where she still labors as a phlebotomist to help pay for Cornelius's expensive training.