Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Pinky Swaanhof didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his esophagus 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 esophagus, and then my duck-billed platypus died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my rib. It took four blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at pole vault is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wristwatch and forget about Sylvia, my duck-billed platypus."
Lonnie, his mother, moved with him to Abilene to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Lindy, in their amazing apartment, where she still labors as a carpenter to help pay for Pinky's expensive training.