Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Tanya Van Hollen didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her midriff 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 midriff, and then my doggie died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my liver. It took thirteen weeks to get back in shape. But to win at dancing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my towel and forget about Dean, my doggie."
Bart, her wife, moved with her to Lincoln to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Milton, in their striped motor home, where he still labors as a parole officer to help pay for Tanya's expensive training.