Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Lance Schmutzig didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his horn in two 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 horn, and then my gerbil died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my antenna. It took twelve decades to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of sandals and forget about Melanie, my gerbil."
Doug, his main squeeze, moved with him to Massachusetts to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, George, in their stiff trough, where he still labors as an entrepeneur to help pay for Lance's expensive training.