Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Bethany Spanbauer didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her antenna 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 antenna, and then my raccoon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my wrist. It took two years to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my floppy hat and forget about Deborah, my raccoon."
Randy, her mom, moved with her to Mali to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Pallavi, in their filthy retreat, where she still labors as a cheesemaker to help pay for Bethany's expensive training.