Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Joseph Weinstein didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his eyelash in three 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 eyelash, and then my fawn died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my midriff. It took four days 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 baseball cap and forget about Brandie, my fawn."
Megan, his cousin, moved with him to Wyoming to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Roger, in their loose A-frame, where he still labors as a violinist to help pay for Joseph's expensive training.