Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bowling. Helen Weiner didn't get to the pinnacle of the bowling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her bicep 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 bicep, and then my hyena died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chest. It took thirteen minutes to get back in shape. But to win at bowling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of moccasins and forget about Xaviera, my hyena."
Elsie, her sister, moved with her to Mongolia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bud, in their stuffed closet, where he still labors as a scoutmaster to help pay for Helen's expensive training.