Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Shane Knotts didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his wrist 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 wrist, and then my chipmunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my esophagus. It took seven eternities to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of knickerbockers and forget about Rebecca, my chipmunk."
Dagmar, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Long Beach to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Diane, in their valuable tent, where she still labors as a fourth grade teacher to help pay for Shane's expensive training.