Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Anastasia Holland didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her artery 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 artery, and then my crab died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toupee. It took fourteen minutes 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 feather boa and forget about Carina, my crab."
Fred, her dad, moved with her to Berkeley to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Taylor, in their funny dugout, where she still labors as a music teacher to help pay for Anastasia's expensive training.