Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Michaela Nilsson didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her appendix 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 appendix, and then my bumblebee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my wig. It took five centuries to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bikini and forget about Evette, my bumblebee."
Irving, her wife, moved with her to Baton Rouge to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Dennis, in their rusty crypt, where he still labors as a chief of police to help pay for Michaela's expensive training.