Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Butch Downey didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his nose 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 nose, and then my bandicoot died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hand. It took nine minutes to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my garland and forget about Jay, my bandicoot."
Owen, his grandma, moved with him to Ivory Coast to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Susanne, in their stolen geodesic dome, where she still labors as a teacher to help pay for Butch's expensive training.