Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Maureen Nilsson didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her wig in three 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 wig, and then my donkey died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelid. It took nine years 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 Stetson hat and forget about Nigel, my donkey."
Herbert, her mother, moved with her to Wyoming to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Shandra, in their huge cottage, where she still labors as an electrical engineer to help pay for Maureen's expensive training.