Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Pete Woolsey didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his finger in three places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my finger, and then my rat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took ten weeks to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tattoo and forget about Eubie, my rat."
Running Bear, his grandpa, moved with him to Slovakia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Butch, in their ridiculous hotel, where he still labors as a bullfighter to help pay for Pete's expensive training.