Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Bruno Rand didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his carotid artery 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 carotid artery, and then my eagle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took four eternities to get back in shape. But to win at pole vault is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jumper and forget about Cynthia, my eagle."
Leonie, his main squeeze, moved with him to Kiev to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Wesley, in their smooth chateau, where he still labors as an administrative assistant to help pay for Bruno's expensive training.