Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Madison Goodman didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her cheek in four 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 cheek, and then my wombat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gall bladder. It took fourteen decades to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my veil and forget about Buddy, my wombat."
Romeo, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Lansing to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Hugo, in their striped cave, where he still labors as a system administrator to help pay for Madison's expensive training.