Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Deb Marsh didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hand 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 hand, and then my monkey died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my big toe. It took thirteen fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jogging suit and forget about Ahmed, my monkey."
Faye, her mommy, moved with her to Huntsville to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Audrey, in their cotton junk car, where she still labors as a weatherman to help pay for Deb's expensive training.