Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Laurie Dotson didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her intestine in four 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 intestine, and then my horse died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took ten days to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bow tie and forget about Julian, my horse."
Desmond, her girlfriend, moved with her to Baton Rouge to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Franklin, in their gruesome sod house, where he still labors as a guitarist to help pay for Laurie's expensive training.