Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Olivia Winkler didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her belly button in two 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 belly button, and then my squirrel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my aorta. It took ten weeks to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my black armband and forget about Shawna, my squirrel."
Deb, her mommy, moved with her to Bangalore to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Avery, in their tiny quonset hut, where she still labors as a stenographer to help pay for Olivia's expensive training.