Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Francisco Gilmore didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his larynx in four 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 larynx, and then my horsie died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my fingernail. It took twelve blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my big smile and forget about Dusty, my horsie."
Winifred, his sister-in-law, moved with him to the Solomon Islands to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Shamus, in their wet crypt, where he still labors as an illustrator to help pay for Francisco's expensive training.