Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Carolyn Bransen didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her pituitary gland 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 pituitary gland, and then my penguin died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my horn. It took four months to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my suit and forget about Albert, my penguin."
Charlene, her cousin, moved with her to Vatican City to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Madeline, in their fabulous Spanish colonial, where she still labors as a horse trainer to help pay for Carolyn's expensive training.