Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Stacy Fagan didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her pinky 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 pinky, and then my butterfly died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gall bladder. It took three seconds 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 pair of khakis and forget about Vince, my butterfly."
Rick, her mom, moved with her to Lexington to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Brittany, in their cotton castle, where she still labors as a juggler to help pay for Stacy's expensive training.