Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Mary Lou Boodler didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her shin 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 shin, and then my Guinea pig died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my calf. It took fifteen months to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of boxing gloves and forget about Kim, my Guinea pig."
Lindy, her grandfather, moved with her to Jakarta to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Rosa, in their ridged motel, where she still labors as a sign painter to help pay for Mary Lou's expensive training.