Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bicycling. Dani Costello didn't get to the pinnacle of the bicycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her skull 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 skull, and then my meerkat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my neck. It took seven years to get back in shape. But to win at bicycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of tights and forget about Alan, my meerkat."
Wesley, her grandmother, moved with her to Nigeria to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Geraldo, in their rare cave, where he still labors as a goldsmith to help pay for Dani's expensive training.