Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bobsledding. Connie Hoffmann didn't get to the pinnacle of the bobsledding world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her earlobe 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 earlobe, and then my warthog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took eleven months to get back in shape. But to win at bobsledding is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my ski mask and forget about Lindsey, my warthog."
Chum, her grandmother, moved with her to Libya to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Draco, in their well worn cabin, where he still labors as a miner to help pay for Connie's expensive training.