Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bobsledding. Cassie Cutler didn't get to the pinnacle of the bobsledding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her claw 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 claw, and then my caribou died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hair. It took one minutes 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 sari and forget about Chris, my caribou."
Godiva, her grandfather, moved with her to Concord to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Horatio, in their multicolored sod house, where he still labors as an emergency medical technician to help pay for Cassie's expensive training.