Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Tawny Van Hollen didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her chin 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 chin, and then my lark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ear. It took five months to get back in shape. But to win at pole vault is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my big smile and forget about Anthony, my lark."
Roy, her mom, moved with her to Long Beach to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Maggie, in their luxurious manor, where she still labors as a psychologist to help pay for Tawny's expensive training.