Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Horst Ullman didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his toe in four 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 toe, and then my panda died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my waist. It took six weeks to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my party hat and forget about Madelyn, my panda."
Nathan, his main squeeze, moved with him to Romania to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Allan, in their new resort, where he still labors as a gardener to help pay for Horst's expensive training.