Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Dorian Falcone didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his heel in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my heel, and then my panda died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyeball. It took five eternities to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my set of camo fatigues and forget about Olga, my panda."
Martina, his cousin, moved with him to California to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Vivian, in their gigantic housing project, where she still labors as a tailor to help pay for Dorian's expensive training.