Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Morgan Quinlan didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his dignity 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 dignity, and then my kangaroo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my appendix. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of overalls and forget about Morton, my kangaroo."
Evelyn, his aunt, moved with him to Monaco to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Elly, in their hard loft, where she still labors as a stockbroker to help pay for Morgan's expensive training.