Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bobsledding. Cecil Gifford didn't get to the pinnacle of the bobsledding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his finger 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 finger, and then my penguin died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my palm. It took nine months to get back in shape. But to win at bobsledding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bedsheet and forget about Shawn, my penguin."
Jeff, his grandma, moved with him to Mali to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Marya, in their hand-made sand castle, where she still labors as an administrative assistant to help pay for Cecil's expensive training.