Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Seema Metzger didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her esophagus in two 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 esophagus, and then my muskrat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toenail. It took six hours to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ring and forget about Sissy, my muskrat."
Shamus, her mentor, moved with her to Slovakia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Madalyn, in their polished spa, where she still labors as a cheesemaker to help pay for Seema's expensive training.