Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Deena Nagy didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions two times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her belly 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 belly, and then my sasquatch died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. It took ten fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my poodle skirt and forget about Roxie, my sasquatch."
Gilbert, her wife, moved with her to France to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Roxanne, in their decrepit motel, where she still labors as an illustrator to help pay for Deena's expensive training.