Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in swimming. Bretta Nilsson didn't get to the pinnacle of the swimming world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hairdo in four 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 hairdo, and then my reindeer died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my aorta. It took three weeks to get back in shape. But to win at swimming is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my big red rose and forget about Valentina, my reindeer."
Jean, her mother, moved with her to Rome to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Bridget, in their original mansion, where she still labors as a ballroom dancer to help pay for Bretta's expensive training.