Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Kent Schmuckley didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his leg 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 leg, and then my hyena died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chin. It took eleven 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 letter jacket and forget about Roxanne, my hyena."
Sebastian, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Kiev to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Randy, in their fancy sand castle, where he still labors as a meteorologist to help pay for Kent's expensive training.