Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Conrad Yoshida didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his aorta in three 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 aorta, and then my tropical fish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my forehead. It took twelve eternities to get back in shape. But to win at canoeing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my black belt and forget about Regina, my tropical fish."
Rhoda, his wife, moved with him to Venezuela to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Bob, in their ridiculous bungalow, where he still labors as a school principal to help pay for Conrad's expensive training.