> We shouldn't neglect the impact on the brain a professional sports career has. I think this is true in the abstract, but in this particular story, there's a

> We shouldn't neglect the impact on the brain a professional sports career has. I think this is true in the abstract, but in this particular story, there's a lot more going on. She was a homeless teenager when she was discovered as a rider, and the article strongly implies that the only stable life she's ever known is racing. This isn't a Ryan Leaf-type story, where a talented athlete was pushed too hard by their parents, coaches, and teammates and ended up breaking under the pressure. I think Rebecca's circumstances are way more poignantly tragic. My heart goes out to her and I hope she gets the stability and peace she seems to be searching for.