Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Abigail McCracken didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her toenail 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 toenail, and then my chipmunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eye. It took twelve decades 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 heavy layer of makeup and forget about Kaylee, my chipmunk."
Clara, her sister, moved with her to Zanzibar to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Russ, in their fabulous Spanish colonial, where he still labors as a civil engineer to help pay for Abigail's expensive training.