In the times of despair that life has to offer, often a Phoenix will rise from the ashes. Case in point Smithville resident Joseph Trapp.Trapp, who will be competing in the RCP Tiburon Mile in San Francisco Bay, California in September, perservered through family hardship and mother nature.The RCP Tiburon Mile is an open water swim that is 1.2 miles long.The event is considered to be the fastest and most competitive short-distance race in the world, with several Olympic medalists, national and world champions, English Channel swimmers, FINA World Cup, and FINA Grand Prix winners. With over 20 other countries being represented, including Russia, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Tanzania, Brazil, Mexico and Canada the race is loaded with over 800 talented swimmers.Trapp will return to international competition in the Elite Group, working hard to take home the coveted cup trophy and the $10,000 first-place prize presented to the over-all male and female winners.Trapp, who is registered and competing for the MTSU Triathalon Club, spent four hours, six days a week, training at the YMCA in Cookeville.However, in March 2012, strong storms swept through DeKalb County, leaving many homes damaged, killing one, and injuring several others.“It was truly a nightmare,” Trapp said.