Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Stella Kinstler didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ear in three 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 ear, and then my wallaby died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hip. It took twelve eternities to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wedding dress and forget about Kendra, my wallaby."
Meghan, her grandfather, moved with her to Atlanta to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Hattie, in their clean wikiup, where she still labors as a security guard to help pay for Stella's expensive training.