Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Edith North didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her artery in four 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 artery, and then my salamander died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my nostril. It took twelve hours to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bonnet and forget about Ollie, my salamander."
Seema, her friend, moved with her to Atlanta to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Phineas, in their unusual dugout, where he still labors as a short order cook to help pay for Edith's expensive training.