Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Shelly Goldberg didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ankle 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 ankle, and then my cockroach died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my palm. It took four hours to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my false moustache and forget about Tammy, my cockroach."
Bonita, her mentor, moved with her to Rome to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Norma Jean, in their fuzzy log cabin, where she still labors as a bounty hunter to help pay for Shelly's expensive training.