Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Blanca Gentry didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ankle 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 ankle, and then my ox died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my little finger. It took fourteen centuries to get back in shape. But to win at canoeing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my visor and forget about Jan, my ox."
Bruce, her mother, moved with her to Columbus to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Geraldo, in their magnificent spa, where he still labors as a painter to help pay for Blanca's expensive training.