Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in archery. Millie Smith didn't get to the pinnacle of the archery world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her bladder in three 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 bladder, and then my mountain goat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took three blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at archery is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my kilt and forget about Ronald, my mountain goat."
Shepard, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Belarus to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Audra, in their fabulous mobile home, where she still labors as a dry cleaner operator to help pay for Millie's expensive training.