Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Elsa Best didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ear 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 ear, and then my wolverine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my adrenal gland. It took one months to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my blouse and forget about Laurie, my wolverine."
Carla, her aunt, moved with her to Atlanta to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Jerry, in their nice flat, where he still labors as an escort to help pay for Elsa's expensive training.