Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. LaVerne Milenski didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her dignity in two 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 dignity, and then my macaque died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my funny bone. It took eleven eternities to get back in shape. But to win at walking is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my apron and forget about Shepard, my macaque."
Sydmo, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Libya to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Cherise, in their bizarre trailer, where she still labors as a diver to help pay for LaVerne's expensive training.