Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Donald Sartre didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hairdo in two 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 hairdo, and then my magpie died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ego. It took two seconds 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 pair of UGGs and forget about Sean, my magpie."
Erin, his grandfather, moved with him to Costa Rica to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Stuart, in their smumpy cabin, where he still labors as a peddler to help pay for Donald's expensive training.