Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Samina Şerban didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her eyelid in three 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 eyelid, and then my gila monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ankle. It took fourteen lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my motorcycle helmet and forget about Jürgen, my gila monster."
Gavin, her fiancée, moved with her to Afghanistan to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Taylor, in their used bungalow, where she still labors as a lifeguard to help pay for Samina's expensive training.