Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Mopsy Zimmer didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her bicep 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 bicep, and then my sloth died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my paw. It took eight years to get back in shape. But to win at canoeing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my diamond necklace and forget about Brooke, my sloth."
Eppie, her girlfriend, moved with her to Rio to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Fuzz, in their hand-made farmhouse, where he still labors as a typist to help pay for Mopsy's expensive training.