Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in pole vault. Alisa Munich didn't get to the pinnacle of the pole vault world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hairdo in two 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 hairdo, and then my mosquito died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chest. It took six weeks 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 pair of shin guards and forget about Chris, my mosquito."
Alberta, her wife, moved with her to Montenegro to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Guido, in their fuzzy houseboat, where he still labors as a stenographer to help pay for Alisa's expensive training.