Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Stu Mohammadian didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his dignity in four 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 dignity, and then my bird died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my beard. It took seven blinks of an eye 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 business suit and forget about Lindsay, my bird."
Julie, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Wisconsin to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Susie, in their sleek igloo, where she still labors as a comedian to help pay for Stu's expensive training.