Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Tammy Richter didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her foot in three 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 foot, and then my wallaby died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lip. It took twelve fortnights 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 shirt and forget about Newton, my wallaby."
Horace, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Greensboro to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Brenda, in their leather houseboat, where she still labors as a television newscaster to help pay for Tammy's expensive training.