Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in walking. Ethel Bergstrom didn't get to the pinnacle of the walking world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her heart 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 heart, and then my jellyfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my palm. It took five years 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 girdle and forget about Coleen, my jellyfish."
Rhoda, her cousin, moved with her to Nepal to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Molly, in their well worn treehouse, where she still labors as a rocket scientist to help pay for Ethel's expensive training.