Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Anne Dorn didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her collarbone 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 collarbone, and then my chimpanzee died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelid. It took fifteen years 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 fur coat and forget about Ling, my chimpanzee."
Lynette, her cousin, moved with her to Aurora to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Jean, in their fresh flat, where she still labors as a rabbi to help pay for Anne's expensive training.