Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Todd McGrath didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his fingernail in four 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 fingernail, and then my bull died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took thirteen weeks to get back in shape. But to win at canoeing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of toe shoes and forget about Pinky, my bull."
Rip, his mommy, moved with him to Portland to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Juanita, in their peculiar junk car, where she still labors as a short order cook to help pay for Todd's expensive training.