Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Randall Wales didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his little finger in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my little finger, and then my troll died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my dignity. It took one weeks 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 tinfoil hat and forget about Ryan, my troll."
Floyd, his grandma, moved with him to Lesotho to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Abigail, in their papery sand castle, where she still labors as a postmaster to help pay for Randall's expensive training.