Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Mac Gutierrez didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his head in three 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 head, and then my phantom died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my earlobe. It took eleven years to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tailcoat and forget about Fred, my phantom."
Isaac, his aunt, moved with him to Mongolia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Shawn, in their wet ranch house, where he still labors as a traveling salesman to help pay for Mac's expensive training.