Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Stu Foster didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his lung 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 lung, and then my eagle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my stomach. It took five minutes 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 mask and forget about Cynthia, my eagle."
Running Bear, his dad, moved with him to Baton Rouge to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Pearl, in their crisp motor home, where she still labors as a neurologist to help pay for Stu's expensive training.