Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Mel Sawyer didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his toe 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 toe, and then my jellyfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my foot. It took ten fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my wet suit and forget about Lucille, my jellyfish."
Samuel, his girlfriend, moved with him to Mexico to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Hallie, in their gross sand castle, where she still labors as an exterminator to help pay for Mel's expensive training.