Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in archery. Allan Costello didn't get to the pinnacle of the archery world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his little toe in two 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 little toe, and then my leopard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my neck. It took twelve seconds to get back in shape. But to win at archery is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my beret and forget about Loreen, my leopard."
Rosa, his cousin, moved with him to Ontario to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Cassandra, in their modern resort, where she still labors as a kindergarten teacher to help pay for Allan's expensive training.