Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Doralene Seaman didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her mouth in two 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 mouth, and then my puppy died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my shoulder. It took twelve minutes to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my gold medal and forget about Cinderella, my puppy."
Tim, her fiancée, moved with her to Lima to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Morrie, in their new sand castle, where he still labors as a therapist to help pay for Doralene's expensive training.