Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Deena Darnell didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions two times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her thyroid gland in four 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 thyroid gland, and then my wolf died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took nine months 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 dress and forget about Linda, my wolf."
Shawn, her girlfriend, moved with her to Monaco to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Chris, in their rusty cabin, where she still labors as a telemarketer to help pay for Deena's expensive training.