Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in couch potatoism. Kirsten Hyde didn't get to the pinnacle of the couch potatoism world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her heel 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 heel, and then my cow died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my earlobe. It took two lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at couch potatoism is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cloak and forget about Ian, my cow."
Deirdre, her grandmother, moved with her to Soweto to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Minnie, in their bent sand castle, where she still labors as a baker to help pay for Kirsten's expensive training.