Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bobsledding. Joseph Prince didn't get to the pinnacle of the bobsledding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thyroid gland in three 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 thyroid gland, and then my duck-billed platypus died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my stomach. It took nine years to get back in shape. But to win at bobsledding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my toga and forget about Geraldine, my duck-billed platypus."
Nancy, his mentor, moved with him to Seoul to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Hendrick, in their amazing stinky shack, where he still labors as a matador to help pay for Joseph's expensive training.