Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tiddlywinks. Helga Bilgewater didn't get to the pinnacle of the tiddlywinks world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her pinky 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 pinky, and then my grasshopper died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my bladder. It took seven hours to get back in shape. But to win at tiddlywinks is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my evening gown and forget about Kaylee, my grasshopper."
Bethany, her mommy, moved with her to Buffalo to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Christopher, in their chic geodesic dome, where he still labors as a football player to help pay for Helga's expensive training.