Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in canoeing. Maureen Stoltenburg didn't get to the pinnacle of the canoeing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her tooth 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 tooth, and then my cockatiel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took fifteen minutes 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 belt buckle and forget about Virginia, my cockatiel."
Charlene, her mother, moved with her to Chile to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Cedric, in their hideous chalet, where he still labors as an entrepeneur to help pay for Maureen's expensive training.