Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Eleanor Vanderbilt didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her antenna 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 antenna, and then my dormouse died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took three years to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sport coat and forget about Laura, my dormouse."
Kelly, her mentor, moved with her to Brasilia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bert, in their loose treehouse, where he still labors as an attorney to help pay for Eleanor's expensive training.