Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Jan Shackleton didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her foot in two 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 foot, and then my goldfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my bladder. It took thirteen seconds 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 earring and forget about Martin, my goldfish."
Katherine, her girlfriend, moved with her to Bellevue to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Everett, in their speckled flat, where he still labors as a groundskeeper to help pay for Jan's expensive training.